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TOPICAL STEROIDS

Fact and Fiction

Fact: Topical steroids are harmful to your skin.

Fiction: Topical steroids are harmful to your skin

Now how can that be?  Unfortunately this miracle tool has had a round of adverse publicity to inappropriate usage.

You should use it if you have a rash while most of it is side effects come from using it when you don’t have a rash.  Some patients tend to use it as a moisturizer to prevent a rash.  Usually prescribed once or twice daily application these are classed into

Mildly potent (weak)

Hydrocortisone 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.5%

Moderately potent (mildly strong)

0.01% halcinonide

0.1% betamethasone benzoate

0.1% betamethasone valereate

0.1% Triamcinolone acetonide

Super potent

Clobetasol propionate 0.05%

0.05% betamethasone dipropionate

Use these as prescribed by your doctor.  He may advise you to wrap a plastic film around the area after application.  This helps to increase the temperature of area and help to topical steroid to be absorbed in more effectively.

Safely used topical steroids are the dermatologist best weapons.

Side effects

When used inappropriately and for long periods it can

1. thin your skin
2. cause whitish patches
3. spontaneous bruising
4. striae (these look like “pregnancy lines” on your tummy)
5. red patches
6. allergic reactions
7. pimples in the area treated
8. large quantities application particularly to children can cause internal side effects.