Most often topical medication means application to body surfaces such as the skin or mucous membranes to treat ailments via a large range of classes including creams, foams, gels, lotions, and ointments. Many topical medications are epicutaneous, meaning that they are applied directly to the skin.
Clean and dry the affected skin area. If you are using the ointment, wash your hands first. Then apply a small amount of medication (no more than can fit on your finger tip) in a thin layer on the skin and rub in gently, usually 1 to 3 times a day. Wash your hands after applying the ointment.
Ointments are prepared by two general methods: • (a) incorporation • (b) fusion, Depending primarily on the nature of the ingredients. The components are mixed until a uniform preparation is attained.
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.
Gently pull your lower eyelid down to create a pouch. Gently squeeze a thin line of ointment in the pouch. Close your eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the ointment absorb.
Close your eye for a few minutes. With more severe infections, your doctor may recommend using eye ointment at bedtime. This is because the ointment sticks to the surface of the eye and eyelid and works while you sleep.
Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face. Tilt your head forward slightly. While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket. Holding the tube between your thumb and forefinger, place it as near to your eyelid as possible without touching it.
Apply a thin layer of bacitracin antibiotic ointment or white petroleum to the wound. Cover with a bandage. Clean area twice daily with soap and water, and apply a new bandage and ointment after cleaning. There is no need to use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol for cleaning.
Emollient creams and ointments tend to come in large tubes, tubs or pump dispensers. They should be applied frequently throughout the day to help keep the skin in good condition. Apply the emollient to all areas of the skin, even if the skin is improving.
Some medicines may be harmful if you have direct contact with them. If you are applying medicines to the skin it is important to use gloves both for your own protection and also to prevent cross-infection. These medicines are directly absorbed through the skin.
Disadvantages of an ointment
1) These oily semisolid preparations are staining and cosmetically less aesthetic. 2) Application with finger tip may contaminate the formulation or cause irritation when applied. 3) As compared to solid dosage forms, semisolid preparation are more bulky to handle.
Holding an applicator above the lower margin of the eyelid, apply a thin ribbon of ointment evenly along the inner edge of the lower eyelid on the conjunctiva, from the inner canthus to the outer canthus.
How to give eye ointment. For older children, gently pull the lower lid out and down and squeeze the tube gently so that a small amount (approximately 1 cm) goes into the pocket that is formed.
Don't put it on your eyelids or eyelashes, as it can easily get into your eye and cause irritation.
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. After application, label the patch with date, time, and your initials.
The amount of cream or ointment you need to use is sometimes measured by how much you can squeeze onto the end of your finger (a fingertip unit). As a general rule, a fingertip unit of cream is enough to treat an area that's twice the size of the palm of your hand.
What is ophthalmic ointment? An ophthalmic ointment is a semi-solid, greasy or creamy topical treatment for certain eye conditions, whether mild or severe. Ophthalmic ointments are often recommended for eye infections, dry eyes and blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), among many other issues of the eye.