Topical Medications Application and How to Use Them Correctly.

A topical medicine is a form of medication meant to be administered externally
onto the body rather than ingested or injected into the body.Topical
medications are used to treat skin conditions and many types of arthritis. They
come in many forms such as balms, creams, gels, oils, lotions, patches, and
also ointments. There are topical analgesics for pain, and topical anesthetics,
topical medications to control itching and topical antibiotics. There are topical
medications used to treat psoriasis and those that are steroids.

Topical medications can have side effects and using them properly can help
you to minimize the risk for side effects.

Creams and ointments:

Apply these in a thin layer

and then massage them

into the affected skin area

usually one to four times

each day. Usually the

doctor will tell you to use

the cream or ointment until

the rash is gone. Skin

conditions such as eczema

and psoriasis will benefit

from using the topical

medication such as a

topical steroid in order to

prevent recurrences.

Topical steroids are known

for side effects so discuss

frequency of use with your

doctor.

There are different strengths of topical medications and areas of the body
such as where skin touches skin like in our groin, rectal and armpit areas the
topical steroids we use there should be of a lower potency. Infants and young
children have sensitive skin that absorbs topical medications more readily than
adult skin so they need to also have a lower potency topical steroid.

How to apply a topical medication:

You should wash your hands after gathering the supplies such as the
topical medication, soap, and a clean, dry towel.

Always gently wash the affected area of the skin with warm water and
soap before applying any topical medication. Pat the skin dry after
washing it.

If you are using a spray topical medication be sure to shake the can
before applying.

If you are using a lotion, it should also be shaken before using it.

Read all directions before using the topical medication. Apply the
medication as directed to the cleaned, dry skin.

Be careful not to inhale or get any of it in your eyes as you are handling
the medication.

Do not cover the area after applying the topical medication unless
instructed by your doctor to do so.

Replace any cap to the medication, if any and then be sure to wash your
hands.

Make sure that you only use the prescribed amount and that you have
followed the recommended directions carefully. Never use more medication
than prescribed. Topical medications can be overdosed just like other kinds of
medications.

Topical skin medicines should not be applied near the eyes or the mouth.
They can cause stinging and irritation in the eyes and are not meant to be
taken orally.

Make sure that all medications including topical ones are out of the reach of
children so they do not put them into their mouths. A topical medication should
never be inhaled.

Most topical medicines, when applied properly, will produce the desired results
within a few days. Contact the leader of the health care team if the skin
condition deteriorates or the original condition does not improve.

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