Topical Therapies & Vehicles Flashcards
what are the advantages of topical treatment
direct application, reduced systemic effects
what are the disadvantages of topical treatment
time consuming, correct dosage can be difficult, messy to use
what different bases/vehicles can be used to administer topical treatment
gels, creams, ointments, pastes, lotions, foams
describe what a cream is in terms of topical treatment
semisolid emulsion of oil in water, contains emulsifier and preservative
describe the properties of a cream as a vehicle for a topical treatment
high water content, cool, moisturising, non greasy, easy to apply, cosmetically acceptable
describe what an ointment is in terms of topical treatment
semisolid grease/oil, no preservative
describe the properties of an ointments as a vehicle for a topical treatment
occlusive & emollient, restrict transepidermal water loss, greasy(less cosmetically attractive)
describe what a lotion is in terms of topical treatment
liquid formulation, suspension or solution of medication in water, alcohol or other liquid
describe what a gel is in terms of topical treatment
thickened aqueous solution, semi-solids containing high molecular weight polymers
what areas of the body are gels and lotions used to treat
gels = scalp, hair-bearing areas, face lotions = scalp, hair-bearing areas
describe what pastes are in terms of topical treatment
semisolids, contain finely powdered material
describe the properties of pastes as a topical treatment
stiff, greasy, difficult to apply, protective, occlusive, hydrating, cooling, soothing
describe what a foam is in terms of topical treatment
colloid with 2-3 phases, usually hydrophilic liquid, in continuous phase with foaming agent dispersed in a gaseous phase
what are the advantages of foams as topical treatments
increased penetration of active agent, can spread easily over large areas of skin, no greasy/oily film
give an example of a condition lotion and cream are used for
lotion = icthyosis cream = child hand dermatitis
