Creams: practical tips for choosing, using, and buying topical medicines

Topical creams deliver medicine right where you need it. That makes them useful for rashes, aches, fungal infections, and some skin conditions. The trick is picking the right one and using it safely so you get relief without problems.

How to pick the right cream

Start by reading the active ingredient, not the brand name. Look for terms you recognize: hydrocortisone (for mild inflammation), antifungal agents like clotrimazole, antibiotic agents like mupirocin, or simple barrier creams like zinc oxide. The concentration matters: 1% hydrocortisone is different from prescription-strength steroids. Match the product to the problem—antifungal creams won’t fix eczema, and steroid creams can make fungal infections worse.

Check the intended area of use. Some creams are for body skin only, others are safe for the face, and a few must never touch mucous membranes (genitals, eyes, mouth). If the label is unclear, ask a pharmacist. For children, older adults, and pregnant people, double-check safety—some ingredients require caution or a doctor’s approval.

Safe use and buying tips

Do a patch test before full use: apply a pea-sized amount to a small area for 24 hours to watch for redness or itching. Apply the cream to clean, dry skin and use the amount the label or your clinician recommends—more isn’t better. Wash your hands after applying unless the treatment is for your hands. If a dressing or wrap is recommended, follow those instructions; otherwise avoid covering treated skin tightly.

Never mix two medicated creams unless a clinician tells you to. That includes combining steroid and antifungal creams or using antibiotic creams with other products. If symptoms don’t improve in the timeframe on the label (often 1–2 weeks for common issues), get medical advice. Also stop use and seek help if you get severe irritation, spreading redness, pus, fever, or worsening pain.

When buying online, use licensed pharmacies or well-known retailers. Look for clear contact details, a privacy policy, and legitimate reviews. Prescription creams should require a prescription—watch out for sites that sell antibiotics or steroids without one. Cheap, unmarked tubes, missing ingredient lists, or poor packaging are red flags. If you’re unsure, buy from a local pharmacy and ask the pharmacist to compare options.

Store creams as directed—some need refrigeration, most stay fine at room temperature. Check expiry dates and discard products that change color, smell odd, or separate. Keep creams out of reach of children.

Questions? A quick call to your pharmacist clears up most doubts—what to expect, how long to use a cream, and how to combine topical and oral treatments. Proper choice and careful use make topical creams a fast, effective way to treat many problems without unnecessary risk.