When you hear the phrase “topical cream”, you probably think of a simple skincare cream or cosmetic. These are usually what we are talking about when we use the phrase. But topical cream isn’t just a surface treatment. In this article, we’ll review how topical treatments work and why they deliver targeted relief for skin issues.
What Does Topical Mean?
Topical creams are substances that are applied directly to the skin. But it’s more accurate to say that these are ointments made to work locally. They help target the problem where it is, without affecting the body’s wider, more complex systems.
That means that topical ointments often have a lower risk of side effects, since they just work on the part of the body where they are applied.
This might seem fairly self-explanatory, but it’s a big deal when you consider how most medications work. When you take medication orally, for example, or via injection, it circulates throughout your whole body. This isn’t always harmful, but it can cause problems if you use it long-term. Moreover, other types of meds can also cause unpleasant short-term effects.
Benefits of Topical Medication
The benefits of topical medication have become more apparent in recent years, leading to their widespread use.
Targeted Pain Relief
Topicals are applied to the skin in the affected area. That means they deliver a potent dosage right to the site of the issue. This is especially effective when you are treating skin conditions, which are typically located in a small, localized area.
Localized Effect
Topical treatments work locally, rather than systemically. In other words, they won't be traveling through your bloodstream and affecting your other organs. This is important, since many medicines can cause both short- and long-term side effects. Short-term, these may include symptoms like gastrointestinal distress. Using this substance over extended periods may cause liver damage and increased infection risk, among other symptoms.
Convenience
Topical creams are hugely convenient. Almost anyone can use them as needed, adjusting the dosage. Because this form of treatment is non-invasive, people are more likely to continue its use. It is also more accessible for people who have difficulty taking pills orally, such as children and the elderly.
Controlled Release
Creams and ointments are not the only forms of topical medicine. Some conditions can also be treated with a medicated patch that is applied to the skin. This offers the potential for controlled-release corticosteroids, where the skin absorbs a small amount of the drug over a longer period.
Topicals For Skin Conditions
Skin conditions are localized by their nature. That means that topical steroids and similar meds are perfect for this kind of treatment. By applying ointment directly to the surface of the skin, people can experience targeted relief with fewer complications.
What Can You Use Topical Substances For?
Applications of topical meds are being explored in many different types of medicine. These include birth control, hormone therapy, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, and much more.
When it comes to skin conditions, topical treatments are used to treat issues such as:
- Mild to moderate eczema
- Dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)
- Atopic dermatitis
- Acne
- Itchiness and dryness
- Redness and swelling
- Other types of skin irritation
What Types of Topical Medication Are Available?
You'll find a wide variety of topical meds available. Many can be bought over the counter. While emollient ointments and creams are some of the most common, you can also find these treatments as a gel, foam spray, and sometimes a patch.
Ointment
Ointments are thick, oil-based substances designed to help the skin retain moisture. Although they can be greasy, they are highly effective at locking in moisture and providing localized relief of symptoms. Ointments also deliver the most medication to the applied area.
Cream
While ointments are oil-based, creams are water-based with emulsified oil. That means they are thinner and tend to soak quickly into the skin, leaving behind less residue. Creams may be slightly less effective at delivering medicine doses than ointments, but are still a good choice for certain skin disorders.
Foam
Foams are aerosols designed to be sprayed on the skin. They typically consist of medicine combined with alcohol and an emollient to soften and soothe the skin. Foam sprays can be a good choice for conditions that affect parts of the body with thicker hair growth, such as psoriasis of the scalp.
Lotion
Lotions are water-based substances containing powdered medicine. They deliver lower doses to the area in which they are applied and are therefore less effective than some other treatments. But they have some benefits, too. They provide a moisturizing effect, they leave little to no residue, and soak quickly into the skin, and they can soothe irritation on any part of the body.
Gel
Gels are water- or alcohol-based. Their composition means that the body absorbs the components slowly, making them less likely to provide quick relief but better for conditions requiring extended absorption. These include rosacea and acne. Gels don't necessarily help lock in moisture as effectively as some other products, making them less suited for conditions causing dryness or irritation.
Patches
Transdermal patches are becoming more widespread due to their ability to release a drug to a localized area over an extended period. They are less commonly used for skin conditions, since they don't provide any immediate soothing or moisturizing effect and may be painful to apply to already irritated skin.
How Dermeleve Can Help
Topical corticosteroids can reduce inflammation associated with chronic skin conditions, providing potent relief. But they aren't without side effects, especially if you're taking them long-term.
Dermeleve offers fast, effective relief without the steroids. It uses safe ingredients so you can use it for as long as you need. As a nonsteroidal treatment, Dermeleve has fewer side effects, which means you can feel safe using it to target irritation, itching, dryness, and more. Review our store to learn more about how Dermeleve can help you!
Dr. Neal Bhatia is a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego, California. He serves as the Director of Clinical Dermatology at Therapeutics Clinical Research and is the Chief Medical Editor for Practical Dermatology. Additionally, he is an Associate Clinical Professor at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. With a background in immunology, Dr. Bhatia has a special interest in mechanisms of therapy, skin cancer, and medical dermatology.
Learn more about Dr. Bhatia and our Medical Advisory Board