If you’ve ever had a splinter buried so deep that tweezers couldn’t reach it, or a painful ingrown hair that felt like it was developing its own zip code, you’ve probably heard of Hyland’s PRID Drawing Salve. It is one of those “old-school” remedies that has been tucked away in medicine cabinets for over 50 years.
But in a world of modern hydrocolloid patches and high-tech skincare, does this thick, brown, homeopathic ointment still hold its own? As someone who constantly reviews wellness and first-aid products, I wanted to dive deep into my personal thoughts on PRID and answer the ultimate question: Is it actually worth buying?
What is Hyland’s PRID Drawing Salve?
Hyland’s PRID is a homeopathic drawing salve designed to provide temporary relief from various minor skin irritations. The term “drawing” refers to its ability to help the body “draw out” foreign objects (like splinters or thorns) or impurities (like the gunk inside a boil or a pimple) by softening the skin and increasing local circulation.
The 18-gram tin is tiny, but don’t let the size fool you. This stuff is incredibly potent and a little goes a very long way.
The Active Ingredients:
- Ichthammol: The “star” ingredient that gives it that distinct smell. It’s known for its ability to soften the skin.
- Arnica Montana: Used for pain and swelling.
- Calendula Officinalis: A classic for soothing irritated skin.
- Silicea: Helps the body expel foreign objects like splinters.
- Sulphur: Targets itchiness and minor skin eruptions.
My Personal Experience with PRID
I’ve used PRID for everything from bug bites after a weekend of hiking to those annoying ingrown hairs that pop up at the worst times. Here is my honest take on how it performs in the real world.
1. For Splinters and Thorns
This is where PRID shines the most. If you have a splinter that is too deep to grab with tweezers, digging at it with a needle often makes it worse. I’ve found that applying a generous dab of PRID, covering it with a bandage, and leaving it overnight often brings the splinter right to the surface. It’s significantly less painful than the “surgical” alternative at home.
2. Ingrown Hairs and Boils
Ingrown hairs can become incredibly inflamed and painful. PRID works by “ripening” the area. It draws the infection to a head, making it much easier for the hair to be released or for the boil to drain naturally. It doesn’t happen instantly—usually, it takes 12 to 24 hours of consistent application—but the relief from the pressure is undeniable.
3. Bug Bites and Itch Relief
For bug bites, especially the itchy red ones from mosquitoes or “hard” bites from flies, PRID provides a cooling, soothing sensation. It doesn’t just mask the itch; it seems to help the swelling go down faster than standard anti-itch creams I’ve used in the past.
Pros and Cons Table
To give you a quick “at-a-glance” look, here are the highlights and the hurdles of using Hyland’s PRID Drawing Salve:
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly Effective: Excellent at drawing out splinters and thorns. | The Smell: Has a very strong, “industrial” or tar-like herbal scent. |
| Natural Ingredients: Homeopathic formula with no harsh chemicals. | Messy Application: The dark brown color can stain clothes and sheets. |
| Pain Relief: Contains Arnica and Calendula to soothe inflammation. | Sticky Texture: It is very tacky and hard to wash off your fingers. |
| Value for Money: One 18g tin can last for a year or more. | Tin Design: The small metal tin can be difficult to open with greasy hands. |
| Versatile: Works on bites, boils, scrapes, and minor cuts. | Not for Deep Wounds: Cannot be used on puncture wounds or serious burns. |
The “Mess” Factor: A Word of Caution
Before you go slathering this on, you need to know: PRID is messy. It has the consistency of thick, dark wax and a color that resembles molasses. If it touches your white bedsheets or your favorite t-shirt, you’re going to have a bad time.
Pro Tip: Always apply PRID directly to a bandage first, then place the bandage over the affected area. This contains the salve and prevents it from leaking onto your clothing.
Is It Worth Buying? The Verdict
When you look at the price point—usually under $10 for a tin—and compare it to the cost of a doctor’s visit for a stubborn splinter or an infected ingrown hair, the value is clear.
Is it a “miracle” cure? Not necessarily. It won’t fix a major medical issue, and it shouldn’t be used on deep puncture wounds. However, for the common “nuisance” injuries that every household deals with, it is a powerhouse.
Is it worth buying? Yes.
In my opinion, Hyland’s PRID belongs in every first-aid kit. It does a specific job (drawing things out) better than almost any other over-the-counter product. While the smell is strong and the texture is sticky, the results speak for themselves. It’s a reliable, time-tested remedy that provides genuine relief when you’re in pain.
How to Use PRID for Best Results
- Clean the area: Wash with warm water and soap. Warmth actually helps open the pores, making the “drawing” action more effective.
- Apply and Cover: Put a small amount on the center of a bandage.
- Be Patient: Let it sit for at least 4–6 hours. For splinters, overnight is best.
- Repeat: If the splinter or “gunk” hasn’t surfaced, clean the area and re-apply.
Final Thoughts
If you can get past the old-fashioned tin and the distinct herbal aroma, you’ll find a product that works remarkably well. It’s one of the few items I keep stocked at all times because when you need a drawing salve, nothing else quite does the trick like PRID.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue providing in-depth product reviews. I only recommend products I have personally tested and believe in.
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