Kip Pyrol Day (Kippu Pairōru no Hi)

What Is Kip Pyrol Day?

August 16th is "Kip Pyrol Day" (キップ・パイロールの日) in Japan. It was established by KIP Yakuhin Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based (Meguro Ward) maker of pharmaceuticals, after its ointment "Kip Pyrol," using the wordplay "Pa (8) - iro (16) - ru." It was certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2019. The aim is to encourage households that keep the ointment on hand to check its expiration date and how much is left, and to introduce it to people who don't know it yet.

An Ointment Known as "the Cross Medicine"

Kip Pyrol is an ointment launched in Japan by KIP Yakuhin in 1952, and has long been familiar as "the cross medicine" (juji no kusuri).

• Indications: minor burns, cuts, scrapes, chapped and cracked skin, razor burn, and inflammation from sunburn or snow burn
• Ingredients: a non-steroidal Class 2 OTC drug containing three antiseptic active ingredients (isopropylmethylphenol, salicylic acid and phenol) plus zinc oxide
• Base: a blended base of natural herbal oil (fragrance), animal oil and mineral oil

Features of Kip Pyrol

• Doesn't leave a white residue: Its zinc oxide is finely powdered, so it is said not to leave white marks on the skin.
• For both moist and dry skin problems: It can be used on both weeping and dry affected areas, which is why it is kept as a household remedy.
• Several sizes: In addition to small tins and tubes that are easy to carry, a large bottle is also available.

Tips on Household Medicines

• Check expiration dates: OTC medicines have expiration dates, and the instructions say not to use them once expired. Prompting people to review their household medicines is one of the purposes of this day.
• For sunburn inflammation: The manufacturer advises first cooling the affected area well, then applying a thin layer.
• Storage: Keep it in a cool place away from direct sunlight and humidity, and out of children's reach.

Ways to Mark the Day

• Check the expiration dates of ointments and bandages in your first-aid kit
• Restock anything that has run out
• Review a portable first-aid kit for summer outings

A Day to Review Your First-Aid Kit

Kip Pyrol Day on August 16th uses a long-familiar household ointment as a prompt to review the medicines you keep at home. Take a moment to check your first-aid kit so you won't be caught off guard when you need it.