Talcum powder is the most commonly used drying agent. Talc absorbs moisture from the skin surface. Most of the many talc preparations vary only in their scents and packaging. Cornstarch, another good drying agent, has the disadvantage of encouraging the growth of fungi. For this reason, talc is generally better.
Solutions containing aluminum salts are useful when the skin is damaged from excessive wetness.
These solutions are often used in hospitals and nursing homes. Symptom-Relieving Agents Skin disease is often accompanied by itching. Sometimes one medication is applied to relieve the itching, while another is used to treat the disease. Itching and mild pain can sometimes be controlled with soothing agents such as chamomile, eucalyptus, camphor, menthol, zinc oxide, talc, glycerin, and calamine. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine are sometimes included in topical preparations to relieve the itching associated with allergic reactions.