To put it another way, the choice between an ointment, cream, lotion, or gel might depend on the skin concern you want to address. Although staph infections are often associated with the skin, in some cases they can occur in the mouth. Here's what you need to know about identifying and treating them. Triamcinolone is a commonly prescribed steroid that comes in many forms: ointment, cream, pills, inhaler, or injectable. Learn tips for using the different forms and potential side effects. A minor scraped knee may take up to 2 weeks to fully heal. It’s considered fully healed and no longer susceptible to infection once the wound has closed and any scabbing has fallen off. Fluocinonide cream (Vanos) is used to treat skin problems caused by allergies or other conditions. Learn about side effects, warnings, dosage, and more. Swelling and redness alongside your fingernail may be caused by an infected hangnail. This is different from an infected or ingrown nail. Find out more. What’s the difference between cream, lotion, and ointment? Ointments, lotions, and creams are three types of substances you can apply to your skin to help manage shingles. Acid reflux is a common symptom of a hiatal hernia. Diet may help you manage this and other symptoms. Here's how. Neosporin, an over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment, can help reduce bacterial buildup in the nose and treat minor cuts, but speak with a doctor before use. Mupirocin topical ointment is a prescription medication used to treat impetigo, a skin infection caused by bacteria. This medication is available as a generic drug and as the brand-name drug.