Salves Vs. Ointments

Salves and ointments are topical medications applied to the skin to treat a myriad of different conditions, from sunburn to joint pain. Salves and ointments have a few distinguishing characteristics, but they are mostly interchangeable in everyday usage.

Composition

• Salves are adhesive, semisolid substances made from wax (such as beeswax), fats or butters. In contrast, ointments have an oilier consistency. In fact, the word ointment is derived from the Latin word "ungere," which means "to anoint with oil." Both salves and ointments contain fats and oils, but in differing amounts. In general, ointments are not water-soluble and contain less wax, while salves are thicker and creamier in texture.

Usage

• Both salves and ointments have similar antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. They can both be applied to wounds, sores and skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, herpes and chicken pox. Some ointments are used to treat bruises and sore tendons; these ointments usually contain arnica, eucalyptus or menthol. Salves can also serve these purposes and are often used for chapped or itching skin.

Common Ingredients

• Salves and ointments usually contain a mixture of carrier oils and herb-infused oils, such as olive oil, tea tree, lavender and rose. Lard, beeswax, tallow, petroleum, plantains, cocoa butter and shea butter are almost always used in some combination, giving both salves and ointments their semisolid, waxy consistency. Flowers, vitamins and even fruits and berries can be added in all-natural ointment and salves.