Ointments

• Intended for applying medication to the skin or mucous membrane
• Good for dry skin or areas that need protection
• Greasy and difficult to remove
  • Example:  Bactroban

Creams

• Moisturize the skin without being greasy
• Easily rinsed off
• translucent and leave the skin surface dry and non-tacky

Lotions

• Similar to creams
• Typically, thinner in consistency to aid in covering a greater body area and areas heavily covered with hair

Gels & Jellies

• Semi-solid system which contains very small particles of liquid medication
• Application of gel results in dry surface
• Easy to apply to body areas covered with hair

Pastes

• Ointments to which a large quantity of insoluble solids have been added to make an ointment stiff
• Relatively impermeable to water and create a good protective barrier for the skin
• Ideal for diaper rash and similar conditions

Liniments

• Contain various substances that give a heat-producing effect used for relief of pain of muscle aches