How long does it take for the active ingredient in an ointment take to be absorbed?

Question

I have been prescribed an ointment to treat psoriasis. The trouble is ointments are not absorbed like creams & I have to sit about like the guy from the 'Singing Detective' until I decide to wipe the ointment off or have a shower. No one can tell me, incl. nurses & pharmacists, how long it takes for the active ingredients to be absorbed into the skin. Maybe once I know I won't have to walk about the house semi naked for as long as I do! I am sure in this great knowledge base we have someone will be able to get me an answer.
Thanks, in anticipation

Answer 1

I have eczema so I know how you feel. My solution is to only use the ointment at night after bathing or showering. I have cotton pajamas which I use only when doing teatment (so it does not matter about the ointment going on them) I have cotton socks and cotton gloves. Some nights I am completely covered, other nights I may just be wearing the gloves. It gives the treatment max time to be absorbed and the heat you generate in bed help absorbsion anyway;

Answer 2

active pharmaceutical agents which are provided in the form of an ointment are absorbed fairly rapidly. otherwise there wouldn't be much point in supplying them that way, apart from the fact that there is direct application to the affected target site - the skin. the dermis in your skin and the accompanying adipose tissue would absorb the active ingredient within a couple of minutes. I'd recommend that you apply it more liberally, and continue to massage it in until it's mostly absorbed (or all absorbed), then get your kit on and dont be walking about naked. The dog might not like it.

Answer 3

there is no set answer. Variablity in the skin structure, thickness, blood flow, temperature etc. can all affect how long it takes to absorb.

How big an area is it? If it is small, and inconspicous, you could use clear bandages or wraps

Answer 4

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