What is required before applying topical medications?

Wearing gloves is a critical step before applying topical medications as it serves several important purposes. First, it protects both the healthcare provider and the patient from potential contamination and the transfer of pathogens. This is particularly important in fresh wounds or compromised skin where the risk of infection is greater. Additionally, gloves help prevent the absorption of medication into the healthcare worker's skin, which can lead to unintended effects or reactions due to medication exposure.

While the other actions are also important practices in the administration of topical medications—such as ensuring the skin is clean and dry, obtaining consent from the resident, and checking for allergies—they do not specifically address the direct protective barrier that gloves provide during the application process. Each of these other actions contributes to safe and effective medication administration, but wearing gloves is essential for hygiene and safety.