Local side effects (affecting the area treated and a bit of surrounding skin) The side effects can be local or systemic. Side effects are common if strong topical steroids are used long term. Problems arise when you continue to use topical steroids for prolonged periods or if strong steroids are used frequently. What are the side effects of topical steroids?Ī short course (less than 4 weeks) of topical steroids is generally safe and side effects are rare. However there are certain side effects which you have to know. It is very effective to treat a flare-up of eczema. Topical steroids are especially useful in treatment of any inflammatory skin condition. 1 FTU is enough to treat an area, twice the size of an adult palm with fingers together. What is a fingertip unit (FTU)?Ī fingertip unit is the amount of steroid that is squeezed out from a tube (standard size with a 5mm nozzle) along an adult’s fingertip. Although moisturizers are applied liberally, topical steroids must be applied carefully.įirst apply your emollient and wait for 10-15 minutes, before applying the prescription steroid cream for eczema. A fingertip unit is the correct dose and it is a small amount that has to be gently rubbed on the areas of inflamed skin until it disappears. Topical steroids can be applied once or twice a day according to your doctor’s advice. It helps to prevent a flare up from occurring. Therefore, prescription steroid cream for eczema for a short period usually gives relief.įor people with frequent flares of eczema, a steroid can be applied on the usual sites where you get a flare up for 2 days every week. Once the steroid topical course is over, emollients must be continued daily to prevent further flares of eczema. How often a steroid course is necessary will depend on how often you get a flare and it greatly varies from person to person. Some dermatologists will try a short course of a strong topical steroid usually for 3 days to treat a mild to moderate flare. Usually a short course of topical steroids for 7 -14 days is enough to clear a flare-up although sometimes longer courses are required. A very potent steroid is needed for eczema on your palms and soles as the skin is thick in these areas.Moderately potent steroid for lesions on arms and legs where your skin is thicker.Mild topical steroid for eczema lesions on the face.Sometimes your doctor or the dermatologist will use 2 or more preparations of different strengths at the same time. A small amount should be applied on affected areas while gently massaging into skin. For severe inflammatory eczema, a very potent topical steroid will be used such as Clobetasol propionate. This rule is important especially for children. Usually topical steroids must not be used for prolonged periods on large areas of the body. The aim is to use the lowest strength of topical steroid to minimize the side effects, but strong enough to clear your flare up.Įx: 1% Hydrocortisone is used to treat eczema in children Once the flare-up is cleared, the topical steroid treatment can be stopped. When there is one or more patches of an eczema flare-up, a course of topical steroid is used. Very potent – Ex: Clobetasol propionate.
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