Editing Boric acid (section)

===Medical===
{{See also|Boric acid (vaginal)}}

Boric acid can be used as an [[antiseptic]] for minor burns or cuts and is sometimes used in salves and [[medical dressing|dressings]], such as [[boracic lint]]. Boric acid is applied in a very dilute solution as an eye wash. Boric acid [[Intravaginal administration|vaginal suppositories]] can be used for recurrent [[candidiasis]] due to non-albicans candida as a second line treatment when conventional treatment has failed.<ref name="iava2010" /><ref name=aber2010/> It is less effective than conventional treatment overall.<ref name="iava2010" /> Boric acid largely spares [[lactobacilli]] within the vagina.<ref name=sobel2021/> As [[TOL-463]], it is under development as an [[vaginal administration|intravaginal]] medication for the treatment for [[vulvovaginal candidiasis]].<ref name=adisTOL463/><ref name=nyir2022/><ref name=marra2019/>

As an [[antibacterial]] compound, boric acid can also be used as an [[acne]] treatment. It is also used as a prevention of [[athlete's foot]], by inserting powder in the socks or stockings. Various preparations can be used to treat some kinds of {{lang|la|[[otitis externa]]}} (ear infection) in both humans and animals.<ref name="adriz2018" /> The preservative in [[urine]] sample bottles in the UK is boric acid.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/636410/U_3i1.pdf |title=UK standards for microbiology investigations |publisher=[[Public Health England]] |date=2017-08-07}}</ref>

Boric acid solutions used as an eye wash or on abraded skin are known to be toxic, particularly to infants, especially after repeated use; this is because of its slow elimination rate.<ref name=harv1980/>

Boric acid is one of the most commonly used substances that can counteract the harmful effects of reactive [[hydrofluoric acid]] (HF) after accidental contact with the skin. It works by forcing the free {{chem2|F-}} anions into the inert [[tetrafluoroborate]] anion. This process defeats the extreme toxicity of hydrofluoric acid, particularly its ability to [[chelation|sequester]] [[Calcium in biology|ionic calcium]] from [[Serum (blood)|blood serum]] which can lead to [[cardiac arrest]] and bone decomposition; such an event can occur from just minor skin contact with HF.<ref name=EPA2015/>{{Failed verification|date=July 2023}}