What is difference between topical steroid vehicles?

Steroid Vehicles Steroids may differ in potency based on the vehicle in which they are formulated. Some vehicles should be used only on certain parts of the body. Ointments provide more lubrication and occlusion than other preparations, and are the most useful for treating dry or thick, hyper-keratotic lesions. Their occlusive nature also improves steroid absorption. Ointments should not be used on hairy areas, and may cause maceration and folliculitis if used on intertriginous areas (e.g., groin, gluteal cleft, axilla). Their greasy nature may result in poor patient satisfaction and compliance. Creams are mixes of water suspended in oil. They have good lubricating qualities, and their ability to van-ish into the skin makes them cosmetically appealing. Creams are generally less potent than ointments of the same medication, and they often contain preservatives, which can cause irritation, stinging, and allergic reac-tion. Acute exudative inflammation responds well to creams because of their drying effects. Creams are also useful in intertriginous areas where ointments may not be used. However, creams do not provide the occlusive effects that ointments provide. Lotions and gels are the least greasy and occlusive of all topical steroid vehicles. Lotions contain alco-hol, which has a drying effect on an oozing lesion. Lotions are useful for hairy areas because they pene-trate easily and leave little residue. Gels have a jelly-like consistency and are beneficial for exudative inflamma-tion, such as poison ivy. Gels dry quickly and can be applied on the scalp or other hairy areas and do not cause matting. Foams, mousses, and shampoos are also effective vehi-cles for delivering steroids to the scalp. They are easily applied and spread readily, particularly in hairy areas.