Metchnikoff's Ointment

METCHNIKOFF'S OINTMENT, a 33% calomel ointment proposed by Metchnikoff and Roux for rubbing into sites of potential syphilis infection for the purpose of personal prophylaxis. Through experiments with this ointment, Metchnikoff and Roux initiated the experimental study of the entire question of personal syphilis prophylaxis. Their successful experiments, first on chimpanzees and then on humans (the well-known experiment on the medical student Maisonneuve, whom they were apparently able to protect from syphilis infection with the help of rubbing in calomel ointment), led to the widespread use of this ointment. Various modifications of it are used: 1) Calomel, wool fat, distilled water, 10.0 each, mercuric chloride 0.03; 2) Calomel 15.0, benzoated lard 32.5, white wax 2.5; 3) Calomel 10.0, lanolin, petrolatum, 15.0 each. A number of subsequent experimental works, as well as gradually accumulating cases of unsuccessful use of Metchnikoff's ointment (Gaucher, Caille, and others), somewhat shook confidence in it, although at the same time the works of Walker, Palmieri, and others clearly speak of a significant decrease in the incidence of syphilis in American, Italian, and other armies and navies after the introduction of personal prophylaxis in the form of Metchnikoff's ointment. At the present time, among local chemical prophylactic agents, more effective ointments (and solutions) with soluble mercury preparations, for example, with mercuric chloride, as well as quinine ointments (Schumacher), are preferred over calomel ointment; it should be noted, however, that with the current state of the question of experimental syphilis, when the possibility of an asymptomatic course of syphilis, etc., is known, the positive results obtained with all local chemical prophylactic agents do not appear as convincing as before (see Syphilis, prophylaxis). Metchnikoff's ointment is more or less effective only when applied correctly within the first 15–20 minutes after potential infection; after preliminary washing with warm water and soap, the ointment is rubbed in for 3–5 minutes. It is also recommended to rub in Metchnikoff's ointment before coitus; after intercourse, the ointment is washed off with soap, and the area is wiped with a 1:1000–2000 mercuric chloride solution. To avoid mercurial gingivitis or stomatitis, it is necessary to warn persons using Metchnikoff's ointment about the need for frequent mouth rinsing for several days. When prescribing Metchnikoff's ointment, one should always inquire about the condition of the skin, and if there is a history of eczema or dermatitis, especially mercurial, Metchnikoff's ointment should not be used.