Advantages and disadvantages of topical preparations:

1. ointment and cream W/O

-Advantages :

•Increases hydration on the surface of the skin

•Increase drug absorption

•Occlusive (resistant to water)

•Protect skin from liquid irritants

•Usually does not contain preservatives, thereby reducing the risk of sensitization

-Disadvantages :

•Sticky texture

•Difficult to remove on skin, hair or clothing

•Minimal spread

•Does not cause a cold sensation because it is not evaporated

•Not comfortable to use in warm weather

•Not suitable for exudative dermatoses because they cause overhydration and maceration

2. Cream O/W

-Advantages:

•Moisturizes and contains emollient ingredients

•Easier to apply and has a wider spread than ointment

•It is less sticky than the ointment so that it increases compliance

•Easy to clean from skin, hair and clothing

•Evaporation of the skin results in a cold effect

•If it contains propylene glycol it will increase the penetration of the drug into the skin

-Disadvantages:

•Does not provide hydration as well as ointment, which decreases drug absorption •Preservatives such
as chlorocresol and parabens can cause irritation in some people
3.Pasta

-Advantages:

•Protect the skin from external irritation

•Stick firmly to the skin (longer contact time)

•Limiting medication only in the area applied

•High content of solid ingredients can draw water to the surface of the skin thereby reducing swelling in
the skin

-Disadvantages:

•Cosmetic value is lacking

•Uncomfortable to use in large areas

•It's hard to clean from skin, hair or clothes

4. Gel

-Advantages:

•Not oily and not visible so it is more comfortable for patients

•Can be easily cleaned from skin, hair and clothing

•There is a cold sensation due to evaporation which reduces pain and itching

•Can lubricate and prevent injury caused by friction

•Longer contact time than lotion

-Disadvantages:

•Hydration ability is lower than creams and ointments so that drug absorption is lower

•Preservatives can cause irritation in some people

•If it contains alcohol, it can cause pain and dry skin

•Vulnerable to contamination (short storage time and requires proper storage)

5. Powder

-Advantages:

•Absorbance can eliminate excess moisture on the surface of the skin

•Some ingredients have lubricant properties

•Hold contamination (do not use preservatives, long storage time)

-Disadvantages:

•Low drug absorption

•Easy to lose when coming into contact with clothes (short contact time)

6. Lotion

-Advantages:

•Cold effect after evaporating water content

•Easy to apply to haired areas

•Can be spread easily

-Disadvantages:

•Lower hydration ability than ointment or cream

7. Foam

-Advantages:

•Does not contain fragrances, formaldehyde or non-formaldehyde preservatives

•Low density and easy to apply and spread on the skin surface

•Increasing drug absorption

•Has the value of cosmetics because the former is left minimal

-Disadvantages:

•Does not have an occlusive effect and minimal hydration ability

•A new type of foam consisting of 3 phases is not suitable for use on haired areas

8. Spray

-Advantages:

•Can be used in large areas of the body

• Easy to apply to hard-to-reach parts

•Good drug absorption

•A cold sensation when applied

•Low risk of contamination

-Disadvantages:

•Can cause a burning or burning sensation when applied