What must you do when you develop a skin rash or allergy? In most cases, you buy a topical medication prescribed by your doctor or from an online store. However, when you go to the medical store, you may find the solution in cream and ointment form. So what is the best option for you? Sometimes, creams and ornaments come with similar ingredients. However, the composition, formulation, absorption quality and overall feel vary. Hence, breaking down the distinction between these two categories will help you understand which option is better for your epidermis.
Understand ointments and cream in detail
Creams are typical topical medications containing an equal ratio of oil and water. They come with a light texture and quick absorbency rate. More so, creams are appropriate for cosmetic purposes and are water-soluble. They help in treating rashes, allergies, and other skin problems.
On the other hand, ointments are oily substances used for cosmetic and medical purposes. Essentially, it contains a high percentage of oil and is stickier and greasier. Ointment takes a long time to get absorbed by the skin. However, they are good moisturizers, and petroleum jelly is a highly recommended ointment because of its healing properties.
How do you distinguish between ointment and cream?
Creams are light texture and water-based and you may get Premarin cream coupon online. The first area of distinction between both these categories is the absorption rate. The ointment has a lower absorption rate than creams. While applying creams on the skin, the water present in the emulsion evaporates. Hence, it leaves behind a thin layer of medication, and this property makes the cream an appropriate remedy for quick absorption.
Ointment, on the other hand, is occlusive. It takes a long time for the skin to absorb because it traps moisture, preventing the wound from drying. In the case of dry skin, the ointment may be helpful.
Consistency
Creams have a light texture along with consistency. They are a blend of two elements that are oil and water. Ointments, on the other hand, are a thicker and greasy substance. It contains more oil as compared to cream.
Appearance
As illustrated earlier, creams are lightweight and smooth textured. Unlike ointments, the invisible appearance of the cream adds to quick absorption. Lotions are greasy and thick. They leave behind a thick layer after application.
Stability
Since the skin quickly absorbs creams, they are not that stable. It evaporates quickly and does not stay back. Ointments, on the other hand, trap moisture and are absorbed slowly. They remain long on the skin and penetrate deep into the epidermis.
The uses and healing power of creams and ointment also differ. In most cases, creams help in treating skin conditions like eczema. Lotions that are thick and greasier and stay long keeping the skin hydrated. Hence, they are ideal for treating scaly and dry skin conditions. Your doctor may recommend one of these options depending on your situation. The primary distinction between these two alternatives is water and oil. Ointments are mostly oil-based, whereas creams are water-based. Before deciding on these two options, you must understand your skin condition in detail.