Ointments are preferable to creams for certain skin conditions, including the following: Contact dermatitis (an itchy rash): Creams typically contain more irritants that could aggravate rashes. 3 Because ointments contain less water, they need fewer preservatives than creams do.
The type of product: Steroid ointments are stronger than steroid creams or lotions. This is because steroids are more easily absorbed by the skin when applied as an ointment.
Ointments have the advantage of allowing the incorporation of drugs with poor water solubility, reducing nasolacrimal drainage and minimization of tear dilution. White petrolatum and liquid petrolatum are commonly used as bases for ophthalmic preparations.
Creams may work better on larger areas of the skin because of their "spreadability" factor, compared to ointments. Several factors are taken into consideration when selecting a topical product. Skin absorbs a cream more quickly, whereas an ointment will remain on the skin longer and take a longer time to absorb.
Patients typically prefer creams and lotions over ointments because they are less greasy and vanish more easily. Foams may be more preferred for all applications, particularly in areas with thick hair such as the scalp.
Ointments are preferable to creams for certain skin conditions, including the following: Contact dermatitis (an itchy rash): Creams typically contain more irritants that could aggravate rashes. 3 Because ointments contain less water, they need fewer preservatives than creams do.
My suggestion is to use the cream when you want to cover a large area, such as a large burn, scrape, or scratched raw poison ivy rash, that is impractical to bandage. If I can (or must) cover a wound with a bandage, I always use the ointment.
Hydrocortisone for skin is available as a cream, ointment and lotion. Creams are better for skin that is moist and weepy. Ointments are thicker and greasier, and are better for dry or flaky areas of skin. Lotion is better for treating large or hairier areas of skin.
In general, massage technique does indeed sometimes enhance dermal absorption. In addition to increase skin temperature and blood flow, rubbing likely modifies stratum corneum (SC) structure to enhance diffusion rates and increase retained penetrant amount within the skin.
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 ( ...
These ointments can be used directly on the skin and help prevent and treat minor skin infections of small cuts, abrasions, scrapes, first-degree burns and stitched surgical wounds. NEOSPORIN®, POLYSPORIN®, and Bacitracin are the three most popular antibiotic ointments.
Ointments are usually the first choice for eczema treatment. They have the highest oil content of all the products (followed by creams and then lotions), so they don't generally burn when they're applied to sensitive skin and are very good at sealing in moisture.
The following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with hydrocortisone: aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking hydrocortisone.
Neosporin is convenient for minor skin injuries, whereas neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone is more specialized for ear infections and requires careful administration to avoid contamination. Both medications have generic versions available, making them more affordable.
Creams absorb faster to provide hydration and support the skin's natural moisture barrier. Because of their faster absorption, they usually require more regular application.
Using hydrocortisone for a long time without stopping can mean some of the medicine gets into your blood. If this happens, there's a very small chance it can cause serious side effects, such as adrenal gland problems, high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia), or problems with your eyesight.
Advantages of an ointment
1) They have site specific application of drug on affected area, which avoids unnecessary non target exposure of drug thereby avoiding side effect i.e. site-specific action with less side effect. 2) They avoid first pass metabolism of drug.
Neomycin frequently causes allergic reactions of the skin called contact dermatitis. It can cause the skin to become red, scaly, and itchy. The more Neosporin you use, the worse the skin reaction gets. Neomycin is such a common allergen that it was named Allergen of the Year in 2010.
Creams contain contain less oil than water, making it easy for absorption. It is due to their high water content that they are absorbed faster into your skin. Ointments, on the other hand, contain more oil and less water. Ointments are best suited to treat dry skin conditions.
Small cuts and scrapes can be left uncovered, but moisture is usually needed to help speed up the healing process. Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and cover with an adhesive bandage any exposed wounds that might become dirty on the hands, feet, arms or legs.
Ointments are often formulated with petrolatum, an occlusive moisturizer that's considered the “gold standard” of occlusives due to its effectiveness. This ingredient works by forming a physical barrier on top of your skin that helps seal in moisture.
< Back to Glossary. Sometimes people who have or have had a substance use problem themselves or other people refer to a person's 'substance of choice'. This usually is taken to mean the main or usual substance they use for example alcohol or heroin.
Never apply a heating pad over the patch, as it will affect the rate of absorption with potentially serious adverse effects. 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.