What are the key points to observe when applying cream ointment?

Author: Chyna Borer  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Apply a small amount of cream gently in the direction of hair growth using a gloved hand — do not rub vigorously. When applying a medicated cream (such as a steroid cream or ointment) apply sparingly and only to affected areas. Emollients can usually be used more plentifully.

How do you apply cream ointment?

How to use skin cream or ointment
  1. Wash and dry your hands and then squeeze out the right amount.
  2. Spread the cream or ointment in a thin layer over the area of irritated skin.
  3. Carefully smooth it into your skin in the direction the hair grows until it disappears.

What should the nurse consider before applying an ointment?

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.

Which are the precautions should be taken while using of creams?

After applying the medication, wash your hands, unless the hands are being treated. Avoid getting this medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get the medication in these areas, rinse with plenty of water. If irritation occurs or continues, contact your doctor right away.

What are the three main functions of ointments?

Topically applied pharmaceuticals have three main functions: (1) to protect the injured area from the environment and permit the skin to rejuvenate; (2) to provide skin with hydration or to produce an emollient effect; and (3) to convey a medication to the skin for a specific effect, either topically or systemically ( ...

How to apply creams and ointments

What are the key points to observe when applying creams ointments?

Always apply creams or ointments to clean skin. Wash, rinse and dry the affected area. If skin is very dry and flaking, apply topical medication while skin is still damp. If using a tub scoop a small amount using a gloved hand.

What are the three 3 main functions of skin?

The skin has three main functions:
  • Protection;
  • Thermoregulation;
  • Sensation.

How do you properly use cream?

Correct Application of Face Creams
  1. Cleanse your face. ...
  2. Apply toner. ...
  3. Apply an eye cream (if you use any) ...
  4. Take a pea-sized amount of face cream. ...
  5. Apply the cream to your face. ...
  6. Blend the cream using your fingers. ...
  7. Apply more cream if needed. ...
  8. Remove excess cream using tissue.

What precautions do you consider important in using agents that are applied externally?

Always wear gloves and maintain standard precautions when administering topical medications to the skin, mucous membranes, and tissues. Do not touch any preparations to your own skin, and turn your face away from powdered applications. Always clean the skin or wound before applying a new dose of topical medication.

When should you apply cream?

Generally, they're meant to be applied twice daily—once in the morning (after serum but before SPF) and once in the evening, usually as the final step of your nighttime skincare routine.

What are the qualities of a good ointment?

Characteristics of an ideal ointment

1) It should be physically and chemically stable. 2) In ointment base, finely divided active ingredients should be uniformly distributed. 3) The base of ointment should not possess any therapeutic action. 4) The ointment should be smooth and free from grittiness.

When applying creams or ointments, the application site must be recorded.?

Staff need to complete records to show when these medicines were applied, where and by whom. A person appropriately trained to administer topical medications should complete a Topical Medicines Application Record (TMAR) for each product prescribed.

What are the evaluation parameter for ointment?

Ointment were formulated by fusion method and tested for various evaluation criteria such as pH, viscosity, extrudability, spreadability, in-vitro release and antifungal activity.

What is the best way to apply cream?

Creams are best applied by patting them gently into the skin, notes Dr. Mack. Gel or water-based moisturizers should be applied in circular motions until they are completely absorbed.

What is the use of cream ointment?

Uses: Ointments are beneficial for very dry, chapped or cracked areas of skin, such as dry heels and psoriasis patches. The ointment is also a good choice for people whose hands are very dry and chapped due to frequent hand-washing. For dry, chapped lips, ointments keep moisture sealed in longer than waxes or balms do.

Why is it important to assess the skin before administering topical medications?

A thorough skin check is required prior to administration to avoid adverse effects. In addition, assessment of the application site prior to administration is critical to prevent the skin irritation caused by the medication.

How to apply creams and ointments?

Emollient lotions, sprays, creams and ointments should be applied directly to the skin. They should be smoothed, not rubbed, into the skin gently in the same direction that your hair grows.

What are the four main universal precautions?

Each kind of transmission-based precaution is dependent on the type of infection or pathogen the patient or source has, as outlined as follows:
  • Contact precautions: ...
  • Bloodborne precautions: ...
  • Droplet precautions: ...
  • Airborne precautions:

What are four nursing considerations when applying transdermal patches?

Before applying a new patch, the old patch should be removed, the skin around the old patch should be assessed, and the site for the patch cleansed and dried thoroughly. The skin around the patch should be monitored for any irritation or reaction to the medication or patch adhesive.

How do you apply body cream effectively?

To get the most out of a body lotion, apply it after you get out of the shower or bath, when your skin is warm and damp (it shouldn't be sopping wet either). Warm, moist skin is the perfect canvas for how to use body lotion, allowing the skin to draw the maximum benefit from your chosen moisturiser.

How do you properly cream?

Increase speed to medium-high and beat butter and sugar for 1-2 minutes, or until mixture is smooth, has lightened in color, and has significantly increased in volume. For best results, scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula at least once or twice before the creaming process is complete.

What to do after applying cream?

Focus on Dry Areas: Pay extra attention to your forehead, cheeks, and neck. Gentle Massage: Use upward motions to improve absorption and stimulate circulation.

What are 4 necessary functions of the skin?

Prevents loss of moisture. Reduces harmful effects of UV radiation. Acts as a sensory organ (touch, detects temperature). Helps regulate temperature.

What are the three basic skin care?

Morning skin care routine
  • Step 1: Cleanser. What you put on your face in the morning can serve several purposes. ...
  • Step 2: Antioxidant cream or serum. While this isn't a necessary step, an antioxidant serum or cream can also benefit your skin in the mornings. ...
  • Step 3: Sunscreen.

What waste comes out from your skin?

The skin has sweat glands that secrete a fluid waste called perspiration, or sweat, which is a pathway for water and ion removal from the body, among other things.

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