Topical treatments
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Topical Treatments
Topical treatments (pronunciation: /ˈtɒpɪkəl ˈtriːtmənts/) are medications that are applied to body surfaces such as the skin or mucous membranes to treat ailments. The term "topical" originates from the Greek word "topikos" which means "of a place".
Types of Topical Treatments
There are several types of topical treatments, including:
- Creams - These are semi-solid emulsions of oil and water. They are used to deliver medication to the skin or mucous membranes.
- Ointments - These are semi-solid preparations that are less greasy than creams. They are used to deliver medication to the skin or mucous membranes.
- Gels - These are jelly-like substances that are used to deliver medication to the skin or mucous membranes.
- Lotions - These are liquid preparations that are used to deliver medication to the skin or mucous membranes.
- Patches - These are adhesive patches that deliver medication through the skin over a period of time.
Uses of Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Dermatitis - Inflammation of the skin that can be caused by a variety of factors.
- Psoriasis - A chronic skin condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin.
- Acne - A skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.
- Eczema - A group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy, and inflamed.
- Rosacea - A chronic skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face.
Side Effects of Topical Treatments
Like all medications, topical treatments can have side effects. These can include:
- Skin irritation - This can include redness, itching, and burning.
- Allergic reactions - This can include hives, rash, and difficulty breathing.
- Photosensitivity - This is an increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can lead to sunburn.
See Also
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