Ointments, creams and plasters

Skin diseases in particular   are treated externally. Ointments, creams, lotions, solutions, powders, medical plasters or gels contain  active ingredients which, depending on the preparation, act on the skin’s surface or penetrate the skin – depending on whether the preparation is thick and greasy or thin and watery.  Most  medicines  for topical use can be bought ready-made at the pharmacy. In other cases, the dermatologist considers an individual ointment preparation to be more sensible, and then the drug is specially prepared in the pharmacy.

Dosage of ointments and creams

The dosages are occasionally problematic with ointments and creams. If you don’t know what to do with dosage information such as “only the size of a hazelnut” or “the size of a pea”, you should consult your pharmacist about the right amount. In addition, there are different procedures for applying the different ingredients. Cortisone ointments are z. B. applied very thinly, with certain eczema, however, the ointment is applied as thick as a knife to soften the skin and allow the active ingredients to penetrate properly.

Anoint

Ointments are usually very fatty, spreadable medicinal preparations whose base (“water in oil”) contains finely divided active ingredients. They feel greasy and are difficult to wash off your hands. Ointments should usually be applied thinly and massaged into the skin. The active ingredients of an ointment penetrate the skin particularly well. Ointments with a high solids content are  called pastes  .

Creams

They have a softer consistency than ointments and usually contain larger amounts of water (“oil in water”). They are easy to apply and absorb into the skin. They are also intended for external use only.

lotions

These are liquids containing dissolved active ingredients that are applied to the skin. They are often used when skin areas such as the spaces between the toes or the groin region need to be dried. Alcohol, water or glycerin are used as solvents.

can

Powders are dry preparations that are also used for moist and softened areas of skin. With such skin damage, such as sweaty feet, skin rubs against skin. Powder absorbs moisture and reduces friction.

Gel

Gel is also applied to the skin. It has a very high water content, which, in addition to the respective effect, also has a cooling effect. In addition to external use, there are also gels that are suitable for use in the mouth, e.g. B. in gum or mucous membrane damage.

Pavement

They are not only used for wound care. With so-called  TTS patches (  transdermal therapeutic systems  )  , the active ingredients are incorporated into a membrane. They are used, among other things, against

• severe pain, with motion sickness
• for smoking cessation and  menopause .

By sticking it on the skin, the active ingredient is slowly released in an even amount.

Application of medicinal patches

Medical patches must  not be cut  , otherwise the liquid or semi-solid content will leak out. You also have to make sure that the medicinal patch sticks to the skin in its full size. If the plaster only sticks to the edge, the active ingredient can no longer be absorbed through the skin.

The underside of the patch is covered with a protective film. The protective film must be removed so that the active substance can come into contact with the skin. You must then no longer touch this underside with your bare fingers, otherwise the active substance will penetrate through the skin on the fingers into the body.

These plasters are single-use medicines. They are only glued on once. If the patch is removed, the drug delivery stops immediately. After peeling off, the patch is folded up and discarded. If you are using a medicinal plaster for the first time, you should have your pharmacy explain how to use it.

Limited shelf life of ointments and creams

Ointments, creams, lotions or solutions that are prepared in the pharmacy are intended for a disease that is usually acute. They are individually composed and dosed. After completing treatment, they should be discarded.

Because they often contain no preservatives, they have a limited shelf life. To prevent germs from being introduced into the preparation, ointments and creams should only be removed from a jar with a clean ointment spatula.