What does topical mean?

What does topical mean?

• A. Inhaled
• B. Applied to the surface of the skin
• C. Taken by mouth
• D. Injected

Answer: (B)

Topical refers to medication applied to the surface of the body, usually the skin, with the goal of acting locally at the site of application. This includes creams, ointments, lotions, gels, or patches you rub on the skin. It contrasts with inhaled medicines (breathed in to the lungs), oral medicines (swallowed and absorbed through the digestive system), and injected medicines (delivered with a needle into tissue or toward the bloodstream). While some topical products can be absorbed into the body, their primary purpose is to exert effects on the area where they are applied.

Topical refers to medication applied to the surface of the body, usually the skin, with the goal of acting locally at the site of application. This includes creams, ointments, lotions, gels, or patches you rub on the skin. It contrasts with inhaled medicines (breathed in to the lungs), oral medicines (swallowed and absorbed through the digestive system), and injected medicines (delivered with a needle into tissue or toward the bloodstream). While some topical products can be absorbed into the body, their primary purpose is to exert effects on the area where they are applied.