If earlier ointments were considered mainly as a medicinal form for the treatment of dermatological diseases, nowadays they are quite widely used in surgery, proctology, gynecology, ophthalmology and other fields of medicine.
It should be noted the fact that ointments are increasingly being used as a means of diagnosis and prevention of various diseases, as well as a means that affect the receptor fields of a number of internal organs and the entire body as a whole. Thus, ointments depending on their therapeutic action are used: to apply a protective cover to the skin or mucous membranes, isolating the covered area from harmful gases, organic solvents, dust pollution, etc.; to apply drugs to the surface of wounds in burns, diaper rash, frostbite, etc.; to apply drugs to the surface of intact skin for the local treatment of its diseases (local action) or to ensure the penetration of drugs through the skin (local action) or to ensure the penetration of drugs through the skin.

Pharmacological effect of ointments largely depends on: the physicochemical nature, concentration and aggregate state of drugs and excipients; manufacturing technology; structural and mechanical (rheological) properties of ointments (viscosity, plasticity, elasticity, etc.); method of application, area of application and the state of the skin or mucous membrane; external and internal environmental factors (humidity, temperature, etc.).
The requirements for ointments are determined both by the method of application and the complexity of the composition of this dosage form: Ointments should have a soft consistency for convenient application to the skin and mucous membranes with the formation of an even continuous film on the surface.