Products
Pastes are available in pharmacies and drugstores. Typical examples are the zinc pastes, pasta cerata Schleich, pastes for use on the lips, skin protection pastes and pastes against fungal infections. They are generally used less frequently than creams and ointments.
Structure and properties
Pastes are semisolid preparations with a high proportion of finely dispersed powders in the base. They are usually intended for application to the skin. Some pastes are also ingested or applied to mucous membranes. Waxes, hydrocarbons and fats, for example, can be used as bases. Pastes may contain different active ingredients such as antifungal agents (clotrimazole, nystatin), zinc oxide, and keratolytics such as salicylic acid or urea. They differ in the concentration of the solids content and their hardness. In the literature, machine production is recommended to achieve sufficient homogenization (ointment mill).
Effects
Pastes have drying, absorbing, secretion-binding, covering, skin-protecting and wound-healing properties. The effects depend on the base and the active ingredients and excipients incorporated.
Fields of application
Pastes are generally used for the external treatment of skin conditions. These include:
- Weeping skin diseases
- Skin mincer
- Eczema
- Minor skin injuries and skin irritations, e.g. small skin cracks, abrasions, cuts.
- Fungal infections
- Prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis.
- Soreness
- Wound edge treatment, to support wound healing.
- As skin protection, e.g. during treatment with wart remedies
- Cold sores
Dosage
According to the package leaflet. Pastes are usually applied one to three times a day, depending on the product and area of application.
Contraindications
Pastes are contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity. Refer to the drug label for complete precautions.
Interactions
Drug-drug interactions are possible with other dermatics applied at the same time.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local skin reactions. Pastes may be sticky and difficult to remove.
