What are external (topical) medications?

External (topical) medications are specifically designed to be applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes. This form of medication delivery is intended to provide localized treatment for various skin conditions or issues, such as rashes, infections, or pain relief. Examples include creams, lotions, ointments, and powders, which work directly at the site of application rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts.

The other options pertain to different routes of medication administration. Oral medications are ingested and absorbed through the digestive system, injected medications bypass the digestive tract entirely and deliver the drug directly into the bloodstream or tissue, and medications ingested with food are still taken orally. Each of these routes serves distinct therapeutic purposes and mechanisms of action, unlike external medications, which are focused on surface treatment.