Than ointment differs from a cream and gel: the comparative characteristic

Many medications are available in a variety of forms, with the same name available in the form of an ointment, cream or gel. All these varieties have their own characteristics and characteristics. Therefore, getting any medicine, you need to know what the ointment differs from the cream and gel.

Ointment: form description

Ointments as a medicine were used in ancient Egypt, China and Rome. They were made on the basis of lanolin, cow oil, extracts of medicinal plants: almonds, olives, sesame, various flowers and herbs, wax.

Modern ointments in their composition have a medicinal preparation and a basis, which is usually fat fats of natural or artificial origin, as well as products of oil refining. Often add the auxiliary components that help the ointment to penetrate better into the skin, for example nitroglycerin.

Such a soft form of the drug is used to apply to a variety of wounds, skin, mucous membranes. To understand what ointment differs from the cream, you need to consider the features of the latter.

Characteristic of the cream

Historically, the cream got its name because it was based on cream and wax for a long time. The modern soft form also consists of a basic medicinal substance and a base that is light, containing emulsion and water. A distinctive feature of the cream is its ability to exert a strong local effect, but it has virtually no systemic effect on the entire body. This is due to the fact that the soft form does not penetrate into the bloodstream.

Considering the topic, what distinguishes the cream from ointment, it is necessary to indicate that the first is quickly and completely absorbed into the epidermis, does not leave greasy marks on the garments. In addition, such a soft form is called not only medicines, but also cosmetic products or confectionery products.

Gel, its features

Another form of soft medicine is a gel, a description of which will help to understand the difference between cream, gel and ointment. It is a kind of ointment based on water, gelatin, cellulose and other substances with distributed healing components.

The gel is characterized by ductility and elasticity, it is created by dissolving solid particles of polymers and a neutralizing agent in small quantities in water. All components are well mixed, thicken and form a viscous soft form.

By its structure, the gel is close to the ointment, but it does not clog the pores, leaves no fatty film, and evenly distributes the basic substance. The topic of how the ointment differs from cream and gel is very important for understanding the use of the latter. Such a soft dosage form is most effective in muscle and joint pain, osteochondrosis of the spine and neck, with stretches, bruises, salt deposition.

Gels are for external and internal use, eye, rectal and vaginal, dental.

What to choose - a cream or ointment? Comparison of mild dosage forms

Comparing cream and ointment, it can not be said that one form is better than another, their differences are in the basis used, the effect, the penetrating ability. The table below clearly shows how the ointment differs from the cream.

From the table shows clearly what distinguishes the cream from the ointment, so when choosing a dosage form, you need to focus on these features, understand what effect you need to achieve, which drug will be more convenient to use.

Thus, the appearance on the pharmaceutical market of various forms of the same medication is due to the unique therapeutic effect of each, therefore, in order to obtain a better result, one must know their characteristics and properties.