Final answer:
Topical painkiller ointments are primarily used to relieve pain and inflammation by reducing the production of pain-causing chemicals in the body. They do not typically prevent infection or promote healing, which are functions of antiseptics and antibiotics respectively. Correct answer is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Topical painkiller ointments are used to relieve pain and inflammation. These medications, which can be found over-the-counter (OTC), include ingredients such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. They work by reducing the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation at the site of application.
These ointments do not prevent infection as antiseptics do, nor do they promote healing in the way antibiotics or hydrocortisone creams might. However, by alleviating pain and inflammation, they can make the healing process more comfortable for the patient. It is important to understand that while some creams have ingredients with antimicrobial properties, those are not primarily painkillers but rather serve a different purpose.
Therefore, the primary use of topical painkiller ointments is to target and decrease discomfort from various minor injuries or conditions such as sprains, strains, or arthritis-related symptoms and should be used as directed by healthcare professionals.