I despise the institution of salvery.
WhyNot’s taxomony matches mine. Salves aren’t much used anymore. So neither is the word. Which I haven’t heard, said, or read in years.
Most modern commercial preparations are ointments or lotions. Which words I do hear, say, & read frequently.
And as bjbrashier says, “stuff” seems to be the most common current term, at least from the Unwashed Masses.
I’ve always thought of ointments as having an oily/vaseline-like base, like neosporin ointment. Salves are more of a creamy type. I’m sure I learned the difference in nursing school, but that was over 30 years ago. (I know docs used to write prescriptions with the abbreviation “ung” to indicate a topical unguent).
Rushgeekgirl–my Daddy swore Vicksav cured most anything!
I love the sound of salve. Makes me think of my mother who once remarked that TCBY frozen yogurt tasted “salvey” to her. I got the gist, though I don’t think I could tell a salve from an ointment in a blind taste test.
I’m allergic to one of the ingredients in Neosporin–makes the rash even rashier! These days, I swear by Bactine and Bag Balm.