Which route of administration is associated with local therapy for the skin?

Topical administration is characterized by the application of medication directly to the skin or mucous membranes, allowing for localized therapeutic effects. This route is ideal for treating skin conditions, as it minimizes systemic absorption and potential side effects, targeting the affected area directly.

Topical medications may include ointments, creams, gels, and lotions, which are specifically formulated for delivering active ingredients to the skin surface. This focused delivery system is particularly beneficial for conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, or localized infections, where the goal is to alleviate symptoms directly at the site of application without impacting the entire body.

Other routes, such as oral and parenteral, are primarily used for systemic effects, where the medication is distributed throughout the body, making them less suitable for localized skin therapy. Vaginal administration, while it can provide targeted treatment for specific conditions, does not pertain to skin therapy in the same context as topical applications.