Apply a small amount of medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually up to 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor or the product package. Dosage and length of treatment depends on the type of condition being treated. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.
The amount you need will depend on the size of the area being treated. Use enough of the preparation to cover the area being treated with a thin layer of cream. Apply the cream downwards in the direction of hair growth. Wash your hands again with soap and hot water, drying thoroughly.
Wash your hands. And if your doctor told you to, wear disposable medical gloves. Squeeze a small amount of the cream or ointment onto your finger, and gently apply it to the area. You can spread it a little bit beyond the edge of the area.
To use: Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area of the skin. Rub it in gently.
Topical medications may also be inhalational, such as asthma medications, or applied to the surface of tissues other than the skin, such as eye drops applied to the conjunctiva, or ear drops placed in the ear, or medications applied to the surface of a tooth.
Applying medication to the skin or mucous membranes allows it to enter the body from there. Medication applied in this way is known as topical medication. It can also be used to treat pain or other problems in specific parts of the body.
Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, is a widely used topical agent, with a variety of uses in dermatology. Despite its popularity, many myths surround this ubiquitous dermatologic staple.
Lidocaine ointment and jelly can be used for everyday activities that cause pain, such as inserting a tampon, having a pap smear, visiting your physical therapist or riding a bike.
For example, less than 2% of a topically applied corticosteroid such as hydrocortisone is absorbed after a single application left on the skin for more than 1 day. Furthermore, peak rates of absorption are reached up to 12–24 hours after application.
However, the National Eczema Association suggests that any prescription topical should be applied before moisturizing. On the other hand, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recommends applying a topical steroid after either bathing or moisturizing to be sure that your skin is moist.
Choose an area free of hair, abrasions, or irritation. Use gloves when applying ointment, cream, and lotion to avoid absorption of the medication into your skin.
Topicals act locally in the layers of epidermis and dermis. Very little if any gets absorbed systemically into the bloodstream. Surprisingly, topical products, i.e. CBD, do not absorb very well, since the skin is not very permeable.
For redness, itching, and swelling of the skin: For topical dosage forms (cream, lotion, and ointment): Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin two to four times per day. Children—Apply to the affected area of the skin two to four times per day.
Wash your hands. And if your doctor told you to, wear disposable medical gloves. Squeeze a small amount of the cream or ointment onto your finger, and gently apply it to the area. You can spread it a little bit beyond the edge of the area.
Disadvantages of topical formulations include: They can be time-consuming to apply. At times, the regimen can be complicated, especially if several different formulations have been prescribed. The applications may also be messy or uncomfortable.
Do not use this medication for diaper rash unless directed to do so by your health care provider. If applying this medication to the diaper area, do not cover with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. This may increase the amount of medication that passes through the skin and increase the risk of serious effects.
If skin is very dry and flaking, apply topical medication while skin is still damp. Applying while skin is damp helps to retain moisture within skin layers.
How long does it take to work? Your skin should start to get better after using betamethasone for a few days. If you're using cream, ointment or lotion, speak to your doctor if there's no improvement after 4 weeks, or if your skin gets worse at any time.
Apply to Just-Washed Skin
Damp skin acts like a sponge, quickly absorbing whatever comes its way. (That's damp, not wet.) This rule applies to almost every product—even retinoids.
Neosporin should only be used on your skin. Don't put it in your eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or genitals. If this medication is swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away by calling 1-800-222-1222.
Other things you might want to allow yourself to do: yoga, meditation, going for a walk and being present to the world around you, talking with a friend when you're struggling and being open-hearted with them, taking a bath or drinking tea but being fully there with the experience and your feelings as you do it.
Products containing lidocaine over 4% can contribute to health problems like an irregular heartbeat, seizures and breathing difficulties, the FDA explained.
If you have very bad dryness and irritation, a hydrating moisturizer may be better for you. Never use petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline®) as a moisturizer. It can irritate your vagina and vulva. It can also raise your risk of getting a vaginal infection.