How to apply topical medications on the skin

What are topical medications?

Topical medications are a heterogeneous group of products, which are applied directly on the skin to treat differentskin diseases. Topical drugs are produced in different formulations, mainly creams and ointments. The principal active substances include antibiotics, antimycotics, corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors and retinoids.

How to apply topical medications?

It is important to apply topical medications in the correct way in order to maximize their beneficial effect. Before application always wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Topicals should be applied directly to the skin.Apply a thin layer of the cream, spreading evenly over the affected area. They should be spread gently on the skin, not smoothed or rubbed.

How much to use?

The finger-tip unit is the classical measure of the quantity of a topical medication and corresponds to the amount pushed out of a tube onto the region of the distal phalanx of the index. This amount is sufficient for an area corresponding to two palms, or both elbow or knee folds.A medication with a gauze improves the persistence of the topical on the skin avoiding the dispersion on the clothes. The application with cellophane (occlusion) increases the penetration of the drug in the skin. In the case of using moisturizers and topical medications, first apply the moisturizer and after a few minutes the topical medication.