Ointment

A blend of fats or oils that form a protective layer over the skin.

Semisolid preparations used topically for protective emollient effects or as a vehicle for local administration of medications. Ointment bases are various mixtures of fats, waxes, animal and plant oils and solid and liquid hydrocarbons.

Semisolid medicinal preparation that is used topically.

A semisolid preparation that is applied externally. Also called salve.

Along with lotions, creams, and infused oils, are topical applications made from heat-extracted plant material such as arnica or comfrey and/or essential oils, in a carrier oil, cream, or wax. Used for local application to relieve pain (e.g., arthritic, rheumatic, or from injury), increase blood flow, and speed wound healing. Also used as a means by which the oily aromatic bioactives in essential oils are absorbed into the blood and reach the brain (bypassing gut and liver metabolism).

A smooth oily medicinal preparation which can be spread on the skin to soothe or to protect.

Semisolid preparation, usually containing a drug applied externally (e.g., an anesthetic or antibacterial ointment applied to a skin irritation); also called unction.

A greasy material, usually containing a medicament, applied to the skin or mucous membranes.

Semi-solid, greasy substances used as emollients, protectants and for delivering drugs to the skin. Ointments may be hydrophylic or hydrophobic. The former dissolve in water and usually contain polyethylene glycols. Hydrophobic ointments do not combine with water and are paraffin-based. Mixing hard and soft paraffins allows stiffness and greasiness to be modified. Pastes are ointments containing a high proportion of inert powder such as starch or zinc oxide, conferring stiffness. Pastes are protective and allow precise application of drugs to the skin.

A viscous, semisolid vehicle used to apply medicines to the skin. Ointments differ from creams or lotions in their superior ability to occlude the skin and improve the uptake of drugs. The base or vehicle of an ointment typically includes petrolatum, fats, oils, resins, or water-based or water-soluble compounds.

An ointment is a dense substance that incorporates medication and is designed to be applied topically on the skin or, if specifically formulated as an ophthalmic ointment, in the eye.