Dermal administration is a term used in medicine and pharmacology to describe the delivery of drugs or substances directly into or through the skin. It refers to the application of medications, treatments, or substances topically, onto the outermost layer of the skin, known as the dermis.
This method of drug administration allows for localized and systemic effects, as the skin has various structures and properties that facilitate absorption and distribution of substances. Dermal administration can be accomplished through different routes, including the application of creams, ointments, gels, patches, or transdermal systems.
The dermis, being highly vascularized and possessing a large surface area, allows for efficient absorption of substances into the bloodstream, enabling systemic effects. Furthermore, the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the dermis, acts as a protective barrier but also permits the passage of certain substances, such as lipophilic drugs, through the skin.
Dermal administration has advantages over other routes, such as oral or intravenous administration, as it avoids first-pass metabolism in the liver and the gastrointestinal system, and may minimize the risk of systemic side effects. It is commonly used for local treatments, such as dermatological conditions, pain relief, and hormone replacement therapy, but it can also be employed for systemic drug delivery in certain cases.
Overall, dermal administration represents a versatile method for drug delivery, offering both localized and systemic effects, along with the potential for enhanced patient compliance and convenience.
