What is the difference between local and systemic effects and give two examples of each?

Answer 1

Local effects happen in a part of the body, but not the entire body. For example, use of low amounts of estrogen cream or steroid ointment on the skin has an effect just in that area. In contrast, systemic effects happen throughout the body. If that estrogen or steroid were taken internally, such as with a pill, the medication would cause changes throughout the person's body.

Answer 2

Local therapy works just at the site of action. Systemic therapy works throughout the body. So, for example, a liniment like BenGay is a local therapy for muscle pain, while a systemic therapy like ibuprofen may also be used.

Answer 3

Local effects refer to responses that occur in a specific area of the body, while systemic effects affect the entire organism. An example of a local effect is a skin rash from direct contact with an irritant, whereas a systemic effect would be a fever resulting from an infection spreading throughout the body. Another example of a local effect is a muscle sprain, while a systemic effect could be nausea from a side effect of medication affecting the digestive system.