ointment (ung, unguent)

Characteristics

• contains more oil than water
• thick & greasy
• moist moisturizing emollient; traps water on skin
• less irritating than creams
• more occlusive than creams
• may be used on actively inflammed raw skin

Adverse effects

• often leaves thick & messy residue
• not good under clothing

More general terms

• dispense form

Additional terms

• topical agent