What it means
Ointments are oil-based, so they stay on the skin longer and keep it moist better than creams or lotions. They are used for dry skin, wounds, eye infections and to protect skin. Examples include antibiotic ointments, eye ointments and barrier ointments such as zinc oxide or petrolatum.
For the nurse
Wear gloves to apply, and use a clean applicator for each use. For eye ointment, pull down the lower lid and apply a thin ribbon along the inside from the inner to the outer corner without touching the eye; vision may blur for a while.
At a glance
| Spanish | pomada, ungüento |
|---|---|
| Also written | ointments |
Related terms
barrier
Something that blocks passage, such as gloves that block germs, or anything that gets in the way of care or learning.
contact dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with a substance that irritates it or to which the person is allergic.