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Preparation Bases

Gels or Thick liquids
1. Indications
  1. Scalp or Hairy areas
  2. Oozy or wet lesions
2. Notes
  1. Gels may be irritating
  2. Apply frequently (evaporates easily)
Creams
1. Indications
  1. Most useful and acceptable of all topical bases
  2. Dermatitis/eczema (wet and dry)
2. Notes
  1. Tell patients to rub in well
  2. Risk of Contact Dermatitis due to preservatives
  3. Topical Steroid creams are more potent than lotions
Ointments
1. Indications
  1. Thick, dry, itchy Plaques
  2. Areas often rubbed off by patients
2. Notes
  1. Feels greasy - use at bedtime
  2. Inert: allergic dermatitis less likely than cream
  3. May occlude Hair Follicles
  4. Topical Steroid ointments are more potent than creams
    1. Ointment vehicle holds steroid to skin surface
Pastes
1. Indications
  1. Wet intertriginous rashes
2. Notes
  1. Need oil to wipe off (not removed with water)
Powders
1. Indications
  1. Protect intertriginous areas
2. Notes
  1. Talc is MUCH better lubricant than cornstarch
  2. No powder absorbs moisture

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised before 5/10/08, prior to consistent tracking of revision date. This page was last published on 5/10/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.