Alum

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Synonym(s)

Alumen; Alumina alkalicum; Aluminium-Potassium sulfuricum; Aluminium potassium sulphate; Alum stone; Potash Alum; Potassium Alum

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please login to access all articles, images, and functions.

Our content is available exclusively to medical professionals. If you have already registered, please login. If you haven't, you can register for free (medical professionals only).

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please complete your registration to access all articles and images.

To gain access, you must complete your registration. You either haven't confirmed your e-mail address or we still need proof that you are a member of the medical profession.

Finish your registration now

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Double salt with the formula: K2Al2(SO4)4 + 8H2O which was formerly used in the tanning of hides and skins (see below tanning agents)

Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.

Medically, the astringent property was used to stop bleeding or to close open, weeping wounds. Here, too, the coagulating property is of primary importance.

A still common form of application today is the shaving stick (haemostatic), an alum preparation for the rapid closure of small bleeding defects during shaving.

The astringent and bactericidal effect is also used cosmetically. Today, large "alum stones" are again being marketed as "natural deodorant".

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles