Ointments are fairly thick and greasy.

Ointments are fairly thick and greasy.

• A. Ointments
• B. Creams
• C. Lozenges
• D. Troches

Answer: (A)

Topical forms differ mainly in oil versus water content. Ointments are oil-based and contain little water, which makes them thick and greasy. That heavy, occlusive feel helps trap moisture and protect rough or very dry skin, providing long-lasting lubrication. Creams, by contrast, are oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions with more water, so they’re lighter and less greasy. Lozenges and troches are meant to dissolve in the mouth for local or systemic effects, not for skin, so they don’t have that thick, greasy texture. So the statement describes ointments.

Topical forms differ mainly in oil versus water content. Ointments are oil-based and contain little water, which makes them thick and greasy. That heavy, occlusive feel helps trap moisture and protect rough or very dry skin, providing long-lasting lubrication. Creams, by contrast, are oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions with more water, so they’re lighter and less greasy. Lozenges and troches are meant to dissolve in the mouth for local or systemic effects, not for skin, so they don’t have that thick, greasy texture. So the statement describes ointments.