The creator of Burow's solution wasKarl August Burow (1809-1874), a military surgeon and anatomist. Burow was also the inventor of some plastic surgery and wound healing techniques which are still in wide use today.[5]
Burow's solution may be used to treat various forms of ear infections, known asotitis.[6][7] As a drug it is inexpensive andnon-ototoxic. In cases ofotomycosis it is less effective thanclotrimazole but remains an effective treatment.[8]
Burrow's solution was formerly available over the counter in the U.S.A. in ear-drop form under the brand names Domeboro Otic, Star-Otic, and Borofair, and routinely used on US Naval vessels.[9]Domeboro Otic is no longer available, Borofair is prescription-only,[10] and Star-Otic was reformulated with the brand name being reused for a different compound.[11][12] Burrow's solution ear drops are as of 2025 available in the United States as a prescription item, NDC 24208-615-77, manufactured byBausch & Lomb's Vaeleant Pharmaceuticals division.[13]
Most versions of Burow's solution can be used as a soak or compress. As an FDA approved astringent it is used for the relief of skin irritations due topoison ivy,poison oak, andpoison sumac, and rashes from allergic reactions to soaps, detergents, cosmetics and jewelry.[14] This is due to the combination of two active ingredients found in this version of Burow's solution, i.e.aluminum sulfate tetradecahydrate andcalcium acetate monohydrate.[15][16][17]
The solution is used by some to reduce inflammation and potential infection from conditions such asingrown nails, in a warm water soak.[18]
^Thorp, M. A.; Kruger, J.; Oliver, S.; Nilssen, E. L. K.; Prescott, C. A. J. (October 1998). "The antibacterial activity of acetic acid and Burow's solution as topical otological preparations".The Journal of Laryngology & Otology.112 (10):925–928.doi:10.1017/s0022215100142100.PMID10211213.
^Rinzler, Carol Ann (2010).The Encyclopedia of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. Infobase Publishing.ISBN978-1-4381-2702-6.[page needed]
^Kashiwamura M, Chida E, Matsumura M, Nakamaru Y, Suda N, Terayama Y, Fukuda S (January 2004). "The efficacy of Burow's solution as an ear preparation for the treatment of chronic ear infections".Otology & Neurotology.25 (1):9–13.doi:10.1097/00129492-200401000-00002.PMID14724484.
^Kashiwamura, Masaaki; Chida, Eiji; Matsumura, Michiya; Nakamaru, Yuuji; Suda, Noriyuki; Terayama, Yoshihiko; Fukuda, Satoshi (Jan 2004). "The Efficacy of Burow's Solution as an Ear Preparation for the Treatment of Chronic Ear Infections".Otology & Neurotology.25 (1):9–13.doi:10.1097/00129492-200401000-00002.PMID14724484.
^Munguia, Raymundo; Daniel, Sam J. (April 2008). "Ototopical antifungals and otomycosis: A review".International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology.72 (4):453–459.doi:10.1016/j.ijporl.2007.12.005.PMID18279975.
