Merhem

Merhem is the Turkish term for a topical preparation applied to the skin to protect, soothe, or heal minor injuries and conditions. In common usage it denotes an ointment or salve—a semi-solid substance based on a greasy or oily carrier, sometimes with added medicinal ingredients. The term has a long-standing place in Turkish pharmacology and is used generically for products marketed to moisturize, protect, or treat skin.

Composition and forms: Ointments described as merhem are typically oil-based, using bases such as petrolatum or lanolin, sometimes with waxes to adjust consistency. Medicated merhems may contain antiseptics, anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, or herbal extracts, while non-medicated merhems serve as barrier creams to prevent moisture loss or to soothe irritation.

Uses: They are commonly applied to dry skin, chapped lips, minor cuts, abrasions, burns, and rashes. They form a protective film on the skin that helps reduce water loss and can deliver active ingredients to the surface.

History and regulation: The concept of merhem has roots in traditional and Ottoman medicine and remains a generic term in modern Turkish-speaking contexts. Product labeling and ingredient lists follow local regulatory standards, and the term does not imply a specific formulation.

Notes: Merhem can refer to a wide range of products, from simple emollients to medicated preparations, and is distinct from other topical forms such as creams and gels.