Topical Skin Preparations

Topical Skin Preparations

Topical Skin Preparations

Topical skin preparations are present in many forms. These preparations are applied directly on the skin to do their actions exclusively on the particular injured or diseased part without the need of administrating them systemically, either via a blood vessel or Intra-venous or through mouth (parenteral). This provides direct and rapid effect on the injury.

Each topical preparation is formed of two main ingredients, the active ingredient which do the job and a vehicle that facilitates the delivery of the active ingredient to the injured skin. According to the type and the characters of the vehicle come the different forms of topical preparations.

There are different types of vehicles available nowadays. Each of them has its characteristic features that make it suitable for specific types of injuries. There are five main categories of vehicles, liquids, creams, powder, ointment and gel.

Liquids

Liquids or solutions are formed mainly of water or alcohol with glycerin. They may be used as solutions for cleansing the injured skin and cooling it. Another form of liquids is lotion. Lotion is formed when a powder is suspended in water, and called shaking lotions. They must be shaken well before use for this reason. When a lotion is applied to the skin, water evaporates leaving behind a thin film of powder that protects the skin. Lotions are useful in cases of inflammation due to their cooling effect. If alcohol is used instead of water in the preparation, the preparation is called then a tincture. And, when it has staining properties, it is called paint.

Powder

Powder has a great drying effect, so it is mainly used in the wet areas of the skin, especially the skin folds. Skin folds are the skin of the back of ear, the armpits, the groin, under the breast in women, and the cleft of buttocks. Powders can also reduce the skin irritation produced due to friction in these areas.

Creams and Ointments

Creams and ointments are greasy as they are formed of oil. However, there is a great difference between a cream and an ointment in both composition and usage. Creams are less greasy as they are a mixture of oil and water. While ointments contain more oils which make them suitable for the treatment of the very dry skin. Creams are used in the less severe conditions to hydrate the dry skin.

Gels

Gels are non-greasy emulsions; an emulsion is a mixture of two substances that don't blend with each other, that liquefies when becomes in contact with the skin. This makes the water in the gel evaporates leaving behind a thin film of the active ingredients over the injury. So, gels are suitable for hairy areas where creams or ointments, if used, may leave a mark.