Tropical or tropical descibes something that exists or thrives in a mild or warm climate, in the area bounded by the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn--
He wants to vacation someplace tropical, with palm trees and a beach.
This plant only thrives in a tropical climate; you'll have to keep it indoors here.
Topical or topical describes something of current or local interest, as a news item--
The weather item is topical; they had a bad storm in Chicago today.
This story is no longer topical; no one will read it unless you come up with a fresh angle.
Topical also means related to the subject being discussed or written about--
Try to keep your comments topical; be ready to explain what they have to do with this discussion.
A comment about Henry the 8th might be topical, if the subject is religion and government.
Topical or topical also describes something that is applied to the skin or body, for medicinal purposes--
The doctor prescribed a topical pain reliever for Grandpa's arthritis.
This is a topical antibiotic; you put it on the infected area twice a day.
Now that you know that, you can say--
"If you're staying in a tropical location, pack some topical antibiotic, in case of an insect sting."
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