Patient education: How to use topical medicines (The Basics)

What are topical medicines? — A "topical" medicine is directly applied the skin. Topical medicines can come in many forms. Examples include:

●Lotions, creams, ointments, and gels

●Thinner liquids, such as "solutions" and "suspensions"

●Shampoos

●Sprays and foams

●Powders

Topical medicines can come in different strengths. You can buy some without a prescription ("over the counter"). Stronger medicines require a doctor's prescription. The right strength and form for you depends on what skin problem you have, and which part of your body is affected.

This article has information about how to use skin creams, ointments, and similar products. Other topical medicines, like skin patches, eye drops, and ear drops, have different instructions.

What kinds of medicines can be given in topical form? — Examples include medicines to:

●Prevent symptoms like itching, swelling, or pain

●Treat skin conditions like eczema, rash, dermatitis, or acne

●Prevent or treat an infection, like athlete's foot

●Treat conditions like lice

●Add moisture to the skin

●Give hormones

How do I use a topical medicine? — Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medicine. In general, here are the steps:

●Check the medicine:

•Read the label to make sure that you have the correct medicine and the correct strength. Check that it is not expired.

•Know where on your body to put the medicine.

•Know how long you should use the medicine and how often to apply it.

●Wash your hands with warm, soapy water. Ask your doctor if you should also wash and dry the area where you will put the medicine.

●Know if you need to shake the medicine before use. Some medicines can separate and need to be shaken well first.

●Follow the instructions for where and how to apply the medicine. Use only the amount your doctor tells you to. For most medicines, you will use only enough medicine to cover the affected area. In most cases, a thick layer will not work better than a thin layer.

●Do not cover the area with a bandage unless the doctor told you to.

●Wash your hands to remove any medicine that might still be on them. If your hand is the part that was treated, do not wash your hand.

What are the risks of using a topical medicine? — Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will talk to you about all of the possible risks and answer your questions. Possible risks include:

●Mild itching

●Rash or redness

●Skin drying or flaking

What else should I know?

●Know how long the medicine should stay on your skin. Some topical medicines, like shampoos, are applied for a little while and then rinsed off.

●Know how to store your medicines. Protect them from heat and sunlight. Ask if they need to be stored in the refrigerator.

●Most topical medicines should only be used on the skin and not in the eyes, nose, or mouth.

●Do not put topical medicines on skin with cuts or scrapes. In some cases, your doctor might tell you that it is OK to put your medicine on broken, scraped, oozing, or infected areas.

●The medicine will only work on the skin where you put it. Extra amounts are not helpful. Thin layers work better.

●Your doctor might tell you to wear a medical glove when applying the medicine. This helps to keep it from absorbing into your hand.

More on this topic

Patient education: Itchy skin (The Basics)
Patient education: Acne (The Basics)
Patient education: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) (The Basics)
Patient education: Contact dermatitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Seborrheic dermatitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Poison ivy (The Basics)
Patient education: Ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch (The Basics)
Patient education: Lice (The Basics)

Patient education: Acne (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Contact dermatitis (including latex dermatitis) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Seborrheic dermatitis (including dandruff and cradle cap) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Poison ivy (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Ringworm (including athlete's foot and jock itch) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Head lice (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Pubic lice (Beyond the Basics)