What are medicines called that are applied to the skin?

Medicines that are applied to the skin are referred to as topical medicines. This term encompasses a wide range of formulations, including creams, ointments, gels, and lotions that are designed to be applied directly onto the skin. The primary purpose of topical medications is to deliver therapeutic effects local to the site of application, although some can also be absorbed into the systemic circulation.

Topical medicines are uniquely formulated for different skin conditions and often contain active ingredients targeted for specific issues such as inflammation, infection, or dryness. The direct application to the skin allows for higher concentrations of medication to act on localized areas, minimizing the systemic exposure that would occur with oral or injectable routes.

Other answer choices represent different methods of medication delivery, each serving distinct purposes. Injectables involve administering medicine directly into the body through a syringe and needle, while oral medications are taken by mouth and pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. Transdermal patches are specific a type of medication that provide controlled release of the drug through the skin over time, but they are still categorized as topical because they are applied to the skin's surface. However, not all topical medicines are transdermal patches, emphasizing why "topical medicines" is the best answer for the question.