Gargles are commonly used to alleviate painful and inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity including tonsillitis, oral candidiasis, herpes gingivostomatitis, radiation mucositis, blistering diseases affecting the oral cavity, aphthous ulcers, post orosurgical and periodontal procedures etc. A gargle does not, however, act as a protective covering to mucous membranes. Examples of gargles are Thymol gargle, Chlorhexidine gargle and Difflam gargle. In the treatment of mucositis, try to avoid a gargle that contains a high concentration of alcohol as it may produce irritation. Due to their drying effect and especially the alcoholic ones, they may cause irritation and cracking to the skin.
Humectants Are substances that promote water retention due to their hygroscopicity.
They act by being absorbed into the skin and attract water from atmosphere and serve as a reservoir for the stratum corneum. Commonly used humectants are propylene glycol and glycerin. Liniments Are viscous liquids containing substances possessing analgesic, soothing or stimulating properties when applied on the skin. They are usually made with a base of oil, alcohol, or soap solutions, e.g., methyl salicylate liniment. Liniments should not be applied to broken skin.