Final answer:
To apply a topical ointment, cream, or spray, it should be directly applied to the affected area on clean skin. Creams are often oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions and should not be ingested or injected. Hydrocortisone creams, for instance, are used topically to reduce inflammation and skin irritation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to the use of a topical ointment, cream, or spray, the correct method of application is to apply it directly to the affected area. It is important to ensure that the skin is clean and that the application is done with care, avoiding contact with eyes and mucous membranes unless directed for such use. Procedures for applying these substances may vary depending on their form and the condition being treated. For example, creams are semi-solid emulsions that can be either oil-in-water or water-in-oil, with the former being less greasy and more easily washed off.
Hydrocortisone creams are a common type of ointment used to alleviate skin conditions due to their anti-inflammatory properties, reducing symptoms like itching and rashes. The use of the fingertip unit concept can guide the amount of topical cream needed for various body areas. Unlike oral medications, topical applications are not meant to be ingested or mixed with water, and they are certainly not meant to be injected into the bloodstream.