Gels are a special type of water-based cream. They mainly consist of thickeners like starch that can bind a lot of water and the drugs dissolved in it. Gels contain no fat, can easily be spread on the skin and can he various drugs in them. Examples include gels for relieving pain or itching. Gels build a film on the skin and he a cooling effect caused by water evaporating on the skin.
Tinctures are topical medications in liquid form. They are made by dissolving or diluting dried extracts of plants or other substances. Alcohol is commonly used as a solvent. Other substances can also be dissolved and used as a tincture - such as iodine, for example. Alcohol is usually used as a solvent.
Powders are sprinkled on the skin and stick there. As well as hing a solid active ingredient, they sometimes also contain carrier substances (such as talc). Powders he a drying effect and form a film that protects the skin. There are, for example, powders for the treatment of itching or fungal infections.
Shake lotions are made of a mixture of liquids and solids. The mixture is at least 50 percent solid, which is why shake lotions can be described as a kind of “liquid powder.” They contain very little fat or no fat. Two application examples are chickenpox and shingles, where a white shake lotion containing zinc is used to dry out the skin blisters. Because the powder and liquid separate over time, you he to shake these lotions into suspension before use.