Know your medicines

Topical skin preparations

These are preparations designed for application to the skin and other surgace tissues of the body. Preservatives are usually included to reduce the growth of bacteria. The most commonly used types of skin preparations are described below.

A cream: A cream is a non-greasy preparation used to apply drugs to an area of the body or to cool or moisten the skin. It is less noticeable than an ointment.

An ointment: An ointment is a greasy preparation used to apply drugs to an area of the body, or acts as a protective or lubricant layer for the relief of dry skin conditions.

A lotion: A lotion is a solution or suspension applied to unbroken skin to cool and dry the affected area. Some are more suitable for use in hairy areas since they are not as sticky as creams or ointments.

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stress and caffeine

A recent study suggests that caffeine can push blood pressure to unhealthy levels when taken in stressful situations. William Lovallo and colleagues at the Veterans Affairs Medical Centre in Oklahoma City found that caffeine alone sent blood pressure up in 31 male medical students they tested. Adding the stress of exam-days took it even higher. Students who already had hypertension, or who had a family history and thus were considered at risk, had the highest blood pressure spikes.

The researchers conclude that it may be beneficial for those at high risk for hypertension to limit their routine use of caffeinated beverages, especially when their work demands are high.

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