Why is it essential to clean and dry the skin before applying topical medication?

It is essential to clean and dry the skin before applying topical medication primarily because this practice enhances medication absorption. When the skin is clean, it removes any barriers such as dirt, oil, or sweat that could impede the penetration of the medication into the skin layers. Drying the skin further optimizes the conditions for absorption. Moisture on the skin can dilute the medication or create a barrier that prevents it from effectively reaching the target area, which may result in decreased therapeutic effectiveness. Proper skin preparation ensures that the formulation can interact directly with the skin, maximizing its intended benefits.

While addressing concerns related to allergic reactions, dilution, and infection are important aspects of good nursing practice, they are secondary to the fundamental goal of ensuring that the medication is absorbed effectively.