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COMPOUNDING AT HOME · GUIDE GAL-04

Skin creams, ointments and gels

How to apply them and use the container

Apply the preparation to the indicated area in the prescribed amount. Keep the container and tools used to take out the product clean.

01Check the area and amount

Read the preparation name, recipient, area to be treated, amount, frequency and duration. A cream, an ointment and a gel are not automatically interchangeable. Do not apply a preparation intended for the mouth, eyes or another site to the skin. If the label does not make clear where or how much to apply, ask the pharmacy.

02Prepare your hands and skin

Wash your hands before applying. Follow the instructions received for cleaning the area. Apply only to prescribed sites: the face, skin folds, genitals, wounds and mucous membranes may require specific precautions. Do not extend treatment to other areas without instructions.

03Take out the product without contamination

For a jar, use a clean, dry spatula and do not return product already taken out to the container. With a tube, avoid touching the skin with the nozzle. With a dispenser, follow the start-up instructions and the dispensed quantity stated by the pharmacy: one pump does not automatically equal one dose.

04Spread as prescribed

Gently spread the indicated amount. Apply a “thin layer” when specified for your medicine; it is not a universal dose. Do not add other creams or dressings to the same area without agreeing on the order and intervals. Do not cover with film or occlusive dressings unless prescribed.

05After application

Close the container and wash your hands, unless your hands are the treated area and you have been told to leave the product on. Check any sun-related precautions with the pharmacy. For emollients, keep impregnated fabrics away from flames and cigarettes. Follow the storage instructions and date on the label; do not transfer the preparation to another container.

06When to ask for a check

Contact the pharmacy or doctor for persistent irritation, worsening symptoms or unexpected changes in the preparation. If you do not know how to use a dispenser or how much to apply, ask for a demonstration before use.

The amount depends on the preparation and area: more product does not automatically mean more benefit.

This guide explains general use. For amounts, frequency, duration, storage and specific methods, follow the label and the instructions supplied with your preparation.

Need clarification? Contact the pharmacy directly on 0431 91001 and have the label ready. For an urgent problem, do not wait for a reply through the website.

Sources and limits of this guide

Sources consulted on 03/10/2026 for general precautions. Information about an individual medicine does not validate other compounded formulations: doses, concentrations, durations, age limits and intervals remain those of the prescribed preparation.

  1. NHS — Emollients

    Use of a spatula, skin reactions and fire precautions for emollients. The frequency of emollient use is not applied to all compounded preparations.

  2. NHS — Hydrocortisone for skin

    Example of instructions for a skin medicine: hands, application sites and dressings. Dose, age limits and duration have not been transferred to other formulations.