Dermatologic Disorders Chapter 110. Topical Preparations Creams, semisolid emulsions of oil and water, are the mainstay of dermatologic therapy. They are easily applied and vanish when rubbed into the skin. Drugs in ointments are often more potent than in creams. Convenient to apply, lotions cool and dry acute inflammatory and exudative lesions.
Solutions are homogenous mixtures of two or more substances.
Like lotions, solutions are drying. The most commonly used bases are ethyl alcohol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and water. Occlusive therapy is used in such conditions as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, lupus erythematosus, and chronic hand dermatitis. Covering the treated area with a nonporous occlusive dressing increases the absorption and effectiveness of topical corticosteroids. Plastic tape impregnated with flurandrenolide is especially convenient for treating isolated or recalcitrant lesions.