topical

Topical is an adjective with several related meanings. In general usage, it denotes relevance to a subject or current issue; something described as topical is timely, pertinent, or current. The term derives from Greek topikos, meaning of place or pertaining to a place, via Latin topicalis, and is related to the word topic.

In medicine, topical indicates a treatment or medication applied to a specific body surface, such as the skin or mucous membranes, rather than taken orally or by injection. Topical agents include creams, ointments, gels, lotions, and sprays. They are designed to act locally, with the aim of reducing systemic exposure. Examples include topical corticosteroids for inflammatory skin conditions, topical antibiotics for localized infections, and topical anesthetics used to numb surface tissues prior to procedures. Efficacy depends on the formulation, skin condition, and the active ingredient’s ability to penetrate the skin.

In other contexts, topical can describe content or discussion limited to a particular topic. For instance, topical humor or topical news refers to material drawn from current events. The word also appears in education and library science to indicate material organized by subject area, and in research to describe issues current within a field. Overall, topical denotes relevance to either a subject at hand or a surface/area of application, depending on the context.