Anunguent is a soothing preparation spread onwounds,burns,rashes,abrasions or other topical injuries (i.e. damage to the skin). It is similar to anointment, though typically an unguent is oilier and lessviscous. It is usually delivered as a semi-solid paste spread on the skin, and it is often oily in order to suspend the medication or otheractive ingredients.
During theVictorian era, the use of the unguentmacassar oil on the hair became so popular thatantimacassars were invented to prevent damage to furniture.[1]
Various preparations ofmercurochrome unguent are occasionally used asadjunct therapy in the treatment offurunculosis, and palliative relief ofKaposi sarcomas, although mercurials should only be used in extreme cases due to high toxicity and severe hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reactions.
It was also used by the Egyptians to help soothe their skin from the dry heat.
