Soft tissue inflammation
These instructions are intended for the practical use of Smrekovit products for local inflammation of soft tissues. They cover mastitis, erysipelas and bacterial inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue, boils and smaller abscesses, inflamed sebaceous glands, insect bites, reactions after tick removal, enlarged lymph nodes, swelling after vaccination and ingrown toenails.
Unlike chronic wounds or long-term skin problems, with this group of problems, based on our practical experience, we expect a relatively quick response. If the condition does not begin to improve within the expected time, it is important to reconsider whether it is really the type of problem being addressed – and seek medical help if necessary.
The product and method of use depend mainly on the location and type of inflammation. Most commonly, we use Smrekovit Klasik or Smrekovit 365 Prima, and for some problems also in combination with a Smrekovit dressing.
Fever is a particularly important warning sign. If you have a high or rising fever, do not delay a medical examination. Based on our practical experience, Smrekovit can also be used alongside treatment prescribed by a doctor.
If the inflammation opens and an open wound develops, adjust further care according to the practical instructions for wounds, skin injuries and healing.
Soft tissue inflammation – at a glance
- For local soft tissue inflammation, based on our practical experience, we expect a relatively quick response. If there is no improvement, reconsider the diagnosis or seek medical help.
- For mastitis, we recommend Smrekovit Klasik on a nursing pad. The best results are achieved when it is used early, and a significant change is often visible within one day.
- For erysipelas and bacterial inflammation of the skin or subcutaneous tissue, we use Smrekovit Klasik or Smrekovit 365 Prima, usually together with a dressing.
- For boils, inflamed sebaceous glands and smaller abscesses, the inflammation may gradually subside or become more localised, open and drain. If an open wound develops, follow the wound care instructions.
- For mosquito bites, Smrekovit 365 Prima is usually sufficient. For a bee, wasp or hornet sting, we recommend applying it as soon as possible and, if possible, using a cotton pad or smaller dressing.
- After removing a tick, you can apply Smrekovit 365 Prima or Smrekovit 365 Ekstra to the area. The main aim is to reduce local itching and the skin reaction.
- For enlarged lymph nodes, apply the product directly over the enlarged lymph node. If there is no clear reason for the enlargement, the lymph node persists or becomes larger, we recommend an examination.
- For swelling after vaccination, based on our practical experience, applying the product to the vaccination site as early as possible works best.
- For an ingrown toenail, use Smrekovit Klasik or Smrekovit 365 Prima on a cotton pad and secure it against the inflamed part of the nail. The inflammation may subside, but this does not necessarily remove the cause of the ingrown nail.
- Fever is an important warning sign. A high or rising fever requires a medical examination. If a low-grade fever does not begin to decrease within one to two days, we also recommend seeking medical help.
- If you are allergic or sensitive to spruce resin, a possible alternative is Smrekovit 365 Alter.
General instructions for soft tissue inflammation
For local soft tissue inflammation, we use a different time frame than for chronic wounds or long-term skin problems. Based on our practical experience, the improvement should be relatively quick and clear.
Most commonly, we use Smrekovit Klasik or Smrekovit 365 Prima. For some localised inflammations, we also recommend prolonged contact using a cotton pad or Smrekovit dressing.
If you are allergic or sensitive to spruce resin, a possible alternative is Smrekovit 365 Alter.
The most important thing is to monitor the direction of change
During use, we are mainly interested in whether the following begin to decrease within the expected time:
- pain,
- redness,
- swelling,
- tenderness of the affected area.
If the condition is clearly improving, continue using the product. If it does not change or gets worse, it does not make sense simply to increase the amount of product or continue without reassessing the cause.
Fever is an important warning sign
With local inflammation, one of the most important factors is the presence of fever.
- No fever: we usually have more time to monitor the response.
- Low-grade fever: with some conditions, we can monitor for approximately 1–2 days. If the temperature decreases and the local condition improves, use can be continued.
- High or rising fever: we recommend a medical examination.
If a low-grade fever does not begin to decrease within one to two days, we also recommend medical assessment.
Smrekovit and medical treatment are not mutually exclusive
If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic or other treatment, it is generally not necessary to stop using Smrekovit because of this. Based on our practical experience, it can be used as a complement to medical treatment.
This is particularly important for problems where, because of fever, spreading inflammation or other warning signs, medical assessment should no longer be delayed.
If there is no expected effect, reconsider the diagnosis
With local pain, swelling, redness or a feeling of inflammation that does not respond at all despite correct use, the possibility that it is not an ordinary local soft tissue inflammation should also be considered.
Particularly with a painful, red and swollen leg, thrombosis or another vascular problem must also be ruled out. In such a case, continuing to apply the product without appropriate diagnostics is not a suitable approach.
When the inflammation opens
A boil, smaller abscess, inflamed sebaceous gland or inflammation around an ingrown toenail may open and drain during its course. Once an open surface develops, switch to the care method described in the instructions for wounds, skin injuries and healing.
Unexplained lumps and swellings
If there is a lump or swelling without a clear cause, we first recommend establishing a diagnosis. You can also try applying Smrekovit locally, but its use alone does not replace determining what the change actually is.
Mastitis in breastfeeding mothers
Based on our practical experience, we have very good results with mastitis, especially when action is taken early. It most commonly occurs in breastfeeding mothers and may begin with a tender or painful breast, a painful nipple or the development of a lump.
We recommend Smrekovit Klasik.
Start at the first signs
Do not wait for pronounced inflammation to develop. Based on our practical experience, it is best to start at the first signs, such as:
- pain or tenderness of the breast,
- nipple pain,
- a lump in the breast,
- initial local redness or a feeling of inflammation.
How to use?
Apply Smrekovit Klasik to a nursing pad and place it on the affected part of the breast. The ointment should remain in contact with the affected area for as long as possible.
Before breastfeeding, wipe off any remaining Smrekovit Klasik from the nipple. We do not recommend this because the product is dangerous, but mainly because the strong taste of the resin may discourage the baby from breastfeeding.
After breastfeeding, apply a freshly coated nursing pad again and continue using it regularly.
When can you expect a change?
Based on our practical experience, mastitis is one of the areas where the response should be very quick. When used early, significant improvement is often noticeable within approximately one day.
Monitor mainly for a reduction in pain, tenderness, the lump and redness, as well as your general well-being.
Fever is an important threshold
If there is a high or rising fever, we recommend a medical examination and advise against delaying it.
If the temperature is only mildly elevated but does not begin to decrease within approximately one to two days, or if the local condition is not improving, we also recommend medical assessment.
If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic or other treatment, based on our practical experience, you can continue using Smrekovit Klasik as a complement to the primary treatment.
If an open skin injury or wound develops, adjust further local care according to the instructions for wounds, skin injuries and healing.
Erysipelas and bacterial cellulitis
Erysipelas and bacterial cellulitis are inflammations of the skin or subcutaneous tissue that may present with redness, swelling, warmth and pain in the affected area. In practice, we treat them very similarly when using Smrekovit products.
In this section, cellulitis means bacterial inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, not cosmetic cellulite or “orange-peel skin”.
We recommend Smrekovit Klasik or Smrekovit 365 Prima, preferably in combination with a Smrekovit dressing.
How to use?
Apply the product to the entire reddened or painful area and slightly beyond its edges. If possible, also use a Smrekovit dressing so that the product remains in contact with the affected area for longer.
Reapply the product to the dressing regularly. If the location makes it impossible to wear the dressing continuously, use it at least at night and apply the product to the affected area several times during the day.
When can you expect a change?
For erysipelas and bacterial cellulitis, based on our practical experience, we expect a clear improvement within approximately one week.
Monitor mainly whether:
- redness is decreasing,
- swelling is subsiding,
- pain and tenderness are decreasing,
- the affected area stops spreading.
Fever calls for greater caution
If fever is present, we recommend a medical examination. Based on our practical experience, Smrekovit can also be used alongside an antibiotic or other treatment prescribed by a doctor.
If the condition worsens rapidly, the redness or swelling spreads, or a high or rising fever develops, do not delay medical assessment.
If there is no expected response, also consider thrombosis
A painful, red and swollen leg can sometimes be mistaken for local inflammation even though the cause may be thrombosis or another vascular problem.
If the condition does not respond at all despite correct use of Smrekovit or progresses differently than expected, we recommend reassessing the diagnosis and obtaining appropriate medical diagnostics.
Thrombosis, venous insufficiency and other circulation problems are covered in more detail in the instructions for oedema, circulation and limitations of use.
If the affected area opens and a wound develops, adjust further local care according to the instructions for wounds, skin injuries and healing.
Boils, inflamed sebaceous glands and smaller abscesses
For boils, inflamed sebaceous glands and smaller abscesses, we recommend Smrekovit Klasik or Smrekovit 365 Prima, preferably in a way that keeps the product in contact with the affected area for a longer period.
How to use?
Apply the product to the affected area and cover it with a cotton pad or a smaller Smrekovit dressing. Secure it so that it stays in place, and regularly reapply the product or replace the pad or dressing as needed.
Two courses are possible
Based on our practical experience, local inflammation may develop in two ways:
- the inflammation gradually subsides and the lump begins to decrease,
- or the inflammation becomes localised, opens and drains.
Both courses can be part of improvement. If the area opens and the contents begin to drain, adjust further care according to the instructions for open wounds.
When can you expect a change?
For boils and smaller abscesses, based on our practical experience, we usually expect a clear change within approximately one week.
Monitor mainly for a reduction in pain, tension, redness and swelling, or for the area progressing towards opening and draining.
Not every lump under the skin is inflammation
Based on our experience, Smrekovit works best when there is an actually inflamed lesion. With a non-inflamed atheroma, epidermal cyst or another painless lump without signs of inflammation, we generally do not expect any particular effect.
If you do not know what the lump is, it is getting larger, persists for a long time, or has an unusual appearance or course, we recommend medical assessment.
When should you see a doctor?
We recommend an examination if the condition worsens rapidly, redness or swelling spreads, a high or rising fever is present, or the area does not begin to change at all within the expected time despite correct use.
Insect bites and the site after tick removal
For insect bites, based on our practical experience, we generally have very good results, especially when the product is applied as soon as possible. The sooner you apply the product after the bite or sting, the more noticeably it may affect local itching, pain and swelling.
Mosquito bites
For a mosquito bite, Smrekovit 365 Prima is generally sufficient. Apply it directly to the bite site.
Based on our practical experience, itching often subsides quickly. If the area starts itching again, repeat the application.
Bee, wasp and hornet stings
For stronger stings, we recommend Smrekovit 365 Prima and, above all, applying it as early as possible.
Apply the product somewhat more generously to the affected area. For longer contact, you can also apply it to a cotton pad or smaller dressing and secure it over the sting site.
Based on our practical experience, with early use users often report:
- less itching,
- less pain,
- less swelling.
If you act early enough, based on our observations, local swelling may develop to a much lesser extent or may be almost absent.
For this use, based on our practical experience, cooling is generally not necessary.
After tick removal
After removing a tick, you can apply Smrekovit 365 Prima or Smrekovit 365 Ekstra to the area.
The purpose of this use is mainly to address the local skin reaction. Based on our practical experience, the area often itches less and settles more quickly.
We do not present Smrekovit as protection against Lyme disease or other infections that may be transmitted by ticks. We have no evidence that applying it after tick removal reduces the possibility of infection.
Swelling and local reaction after vaccination
After vaccination, pain, redness or swelling may develop at the injection site. For such a local reaction, based on our practical experience, you can try Smrekovit 365 Prima.
Best applied as soon as possible after vaccination
Based on our observations, it works best if you apply the cream to the vaccination site as soon as possible after vaccination, before more pronounced local swelling develops.
Apply the cream directly to the injection site and slightly around it. Repeat the application during the day if necessary.
Based on our practical experience, with early use swelling may be smaller, while local redness and tenderness may be milder.
Important limitation
This recommendation is based on practical observations by users. We do not have direct studies comparing this use of Smrekovit with no use or examining its effect on the response to vaccination.
If the local reaction progresses rapidly, is very pronounced or other concerning symptoms develop, consult a doctor.
Enlarged lymph nodes
Enlarged lymph nodes often occur as part of the body's normal response to viral infections, local inflammation or other infections. In such cases, based on our practical experience, you can also try the local use of Smrekovit products.
We recommend Smrekovit 365 Prima.
How to use?
Apply the cream directly over the enlarged lymph node or to the area where you can feel it.
The most common locations are lymph nodes:
- in the neck,
- in the armpit,
- in the groin.
Apply the product several times a day and monitor whether the tenderness or size of the lymph node gradually decreases together with the underlying problem.
When is a medical examination important?
If there is no clear reason why the lymph node is enlarged, it does not make sense to address the problem only with local application.
We particularly recommend an examination if the lymph node is:
- enlarged without a clear cause,
- markedly enlarged,
- continuing to increase in size,
- or remains enlarged for a longer period.
In such a case, identifying the cause of the enlargement is more important than simply addressing the local change.
Ingrown toenail
Based on our practical experience, an ingrown toenail is one of the problems where local use of Smrekovit products can reduce inflammation, redness and pain quite quickly.
We recommend Smrekovit Klasik or Smrekovit 365 Prima.
How to use?
Apply the product to a cotton pad and place it directly on the inflamed area beside the nail. Then secure it so that it remains in contact with the affected area for as long as possible.
If pus is also present, the procedure is the same. Based on our practical experience, with regular use the area often gradually settles and clears.
Important: the inflammation and the cause are not the same
Smrekovit can help with inflammation around an ingrown toenail, but this does not necessarily remove the reason why the nail is growing into the tissue.
If, after the inflammation has subsided, the nail continues to grow into the skin, the problem keeps recurring, or the condition does not resolve as the nail plate grows out, surgical treatment may be necessary.
This may primarily involve partial removal of the edge of the nail or, in recurrent cases, partial matrixectomy, which permanently makes the nail slightly narrower.
After nail removal
If part of the nail or the entire nail has been removed, treat the resulting area as a wound. Apply Smrekovit Klasik to sterile non-woven gauze and follow the instructions for surgical wounds and nail removal.
If redness or swelling spreads, pain increases, fever develops, or the condition does not begin to improve despite correct use, we recommend a medical examination.
Unexplained lumps and swellings
For a lump or swelling without a clear cause, we recommend first having a medical examination and establishing a diagnosis.
Based on our practical experience, you can still try applying Smrekovit locally, but such a trial does not replace determining what the change actually is.
If the lump is painful, reddened or shows other signs of local inflammation, you can try Smrekovit 365 Prima or Smrekovit Klasik.
If the change shows no signs of inflammation, is getting larger, persists for a longer time or its origin is unclear, appropriate diagnostics are more important than continuing local application.
About these instructions
These instructions are based primarily on many years of practical experience using Smrekovit products, user feedback and knowledge gained through the development and use of the products.
Where we describe specific methods of use, product selection, the expected course or other practical details, these are based primarily on our practical experience. This is not equivalent to the results of clinical research and does not guarantee that every user will respond in the same way.
Where necessary, we verify and supplement general information about individual problems using professional sources. Where these are important for understanding the content, we cite them on the page.
We regularly supplement and update the instructions based on new experience, user feedback and available professional knowledge.