Age: Babies and children with mild to moderate eczema are usually prescribed mild topical steroids.The potency of the steroid you are given will be based on several factors: A list is provided in the factsheet at the bottom of this page, but new preparations may not be included. If you are not sure of the potency of a steroid preparation, ask your pharmacist. One way of understanding the strength of different steroid preparations is to note that ‘moderate’ is twice as potent as hydrocortisone 1% ‘potent’ is 10 times more potent and ‘very potent’ at least 50 times more potent. Topical steroid may be stated in the patient information leaflet inside the packaging. It can be difficult for the person with eczema or the parent of a child with eczema to find out the potency of a product, since potency is not usually stated on the tube or packaging, and the labelled percentage of steroid is different from the potency. It also relates to the degree to which the topical steroid inhibits inflammation, and its potential for causing side effects. The potency of topical steroids is determined by the amount of vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels) they produce. These categories are ‘mild’, ‘moderate’, ‘potent’ and ‘very potent’. In the UK, topical steroid preparations are divided into four categories according to how strong or potent they are. Most people with eczema will need larger tubes, which are only available on prescription (sizes 30g, 50g-100g). Hydrocortisone and Eumovate can only be bought in small tubes – enough to treat small areas of eczema. Usage of this kind requires the guidance of a healthcare professional. When topical steroids are obtained without a prescription, they should NOT be used around the eyes or on the face, on broken or infected skin, on the anal or genital areas, in pregnancy, or by anyone under the age of 10 years (hydrocortisone) and 12 years (Eumovate). There are two types of topical steroid that can be bought over the counter from a pharmacy without a prescription: 1% hydrocortisone cream, a mild topical steroid, and Eumovate (clobetasone butyrate 0.05%), a moderate topical steroid (see Table 1 in our Topical steroids factsheet at the bottom of the page). Lotions are easiest to apply on hairy areas of the body. Creams, which are light and cooling, may be used to treat moist, weepy or ‘wet’ eczema. When your eczema is very dry, it is likely that your healthcare professional will prescribe an ointment-based preparation. Which topical steroid/s you are prescribed will depend on your age, the severity of your eczema, the part of your body that is affected and any other treatments you are using. Topical steroid preparations are available as creams, ointments, lotions, foams, gels, mousses, shampoos and tape, and come in different strengths or potencies. They are not, however, a cure for eczema. They also help to make the skin less hot, itchy and sore. Topical steroids act on the skin to reduce inflammation and speed up healing. They are also produced synthetically as medicines and given as injections and tablets, as well as creams and ointments. ‘Steroids’ are a group of natural hormones, produced in the body by a variety of different glands. ‘Topical’ means applied directly to the skin. Treatment bursts, at the correct strength for the person’s age, eczema severity and affected bodyĪrea, to bring a flare-up under control. However, for most people with eczema, topical steroids will need to be used for short Of emollients for moisturising and washing is all that is needed to keep their condition underĬontrol. To work effectively, they need to be used alongsideĮmollients, which soothe, protect and moisturise the skin. Topical steroids (topical corticosteroids) are recommended by the NHS for treating eczema flareupsĪnd have been used for over 70 years. Your Feedback – Compliments and Complaints.Our commitment to equality and diversity.Global Patient Initiative to Improve Care (GPIIEC).Eczema ‘Mindlines’ – helping parents and children manage eczema better.Atopic Eczema Systemic Therapy Register (A-STAR).Information for healthcare professionals.Seborrhoeic dermatitis & cradle cap in infants.
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