Cream, Gel, Ointment Part 2: Ointments

Hi Everyone,

Last week I covered creams as a vehicle for administering medication to skin and mucous membranes.  Creams are an oil and water emulsion that are formulated to stay on the skin longer than gels, but not as long as ointments.  Most creams are now designed to be non-greasy and quick absorbing.  So how do they differ from ointments?

Ointments are also oil and water emulsions, however, they have a higher oil content.  The higher oil content creates a preparation that will adhere to the skin longer and thus provide longer medicinal contact for wounds/areas that may need increased healing time.  The higher oil content may also create a "greasy" feeling when the preparation is applied as it doesn't absorb as quickly as creams. This feature of ointments can also create a protective barrier around the wound and the wound bed which may or may not need a dressing to prevent removal from rubbing against clothing or other contact agents.  Ointments may not be suitable for skin areas that are usually left uncovered, such as face and hands, unless a dressing can be applied.

Stay tuned for next weeks Part 3: Gels.

Sincerely and To Your Health,

Deanna

Cream, Gel, Ointment - What's the Difference? Is There One?

Hi Everyone.

I just asked myself that question as I was adding products to our inventory and realized that some of the medications came in several different preparations: Cream, Gel, and Ointment.  I had a vague idea of each term and thought they could be used interchangeably.  Not so.  I consulted several medical dictionaries and realized that each preparation is designed to deliver the medication in a specific manner.

This week I'll address Creams.  Next week Ointments and the following week, Gels.

Creams:

Cream [Gk, chrisma,oil],  1.  the portion of milk rich in butterfat.  2.  any fluid mixture of thick consistency.  Creams are often used as a method of applying medication to the surface of the body. Compare ointment.  Mosby's Dictionary of Medicine, Copyright 2006

The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Copyright 2008 gives this definition:   A spreadable substance, similar to an ointment, but not as thick.  Creams may be more appropriate than ointments for application to exposed skin areas such as the face and hands.

Creams are essentially a water and oil emulsion.  They are used to deliver medication via application and absorption to and through the skin and mucus membranes.   Creams generally absorb faster and are less greasy than ointments.  They provide longer healing contact/action than gels.

See next week's blog on Ointments.

Sincerely,

Deanna - "To your health".