Because of this, they can also be washed off with water. In EB pastes are also used. They have a strong dehydrating effect and are therefore pre-eminently suitable for oozing skin conditions. Creams Creams are semi-solid, spreadable preparations that consist of a mixture of water and oil, two substances that do not, or only partially mix. The oil is, with the aid of one or more emulsifiers, divided into very fine drops in the water.
Creams have a soothing and protective effect on the skin.
In the hydrophillic creams the oil is finely divided into the water. These creams leave a barely visible layer and can be washed off with water. In the hydrophobic creams, the water is finely divided into the oil. After application the skin feels greasy. Because they have a strong resemblance to greasy hydrophobic creams they are also often referred to as ointments.