Topical corticosteroids: information on the risk of topical steroid withdrawal reactions

Eumovate is available from The Independent Pharmacy as a cream or ointment and helps to relieve symptoms related to conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and insect bites. This is a potent topical corticosteroid with an anti-infective agent (betamethasone valerate and clioquinol). online anabolic steroids pharmacy Very potent topical steroids should not be used unless a firm diagnosis has been established. If patients have known sensitvities or have not tolerated a previous topical steroid, refer to the MIMS Potential Skin Sensitisers as Ingredients chart (MIMS access required).

If you’re thinking of using stronger corticosteroids to tackle eczema for yourself or your child, then it’s important to seek advice from your doctor or a healthcare professional. They will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment for your condition. Medical professionals often talk about the ‘potency’ of topical steroids — how strong they are.

How do topical steroid creams work?

It’s as simple as starting a free online consultation with us today and getting your eczema medication delivered tomorrow. Another option for scalp dermatitis is Elocon Scalp Lotion, which uses the equally potent steroid mometasone. Elocon moisturises the skin and slows the growth rate of skin cells (relieving psoriasis symptoms).

When fluocortolone is applied to the skin it works by acting inside the skin cells to decrease the release of these inflammatory substances.
Clobetasol should be used with caution in patients with a history of local hypersensitivity to other corticosteroids or to any of the excipients in the preparation.
Use of a combination product containing a steroid plus antibiotic is rarely justified and should not be routinely used, except post intraocular surgery e.g. cataract.
However, you should wash off any steroid cream applied to your breasts before feeding your baby.
Topical corticosteroids should be spread thinly on the skin but in sufficient quantity to cover the affected areas.

They should only be on repeat prescription when recommended by a specialist. Potency of a topical corticosteroid preparation is a result of the formulation as well as the corticosteroid. The potency of steroid should be matched to the severity of the disease, using the least potent steroid that effectively controls the disease. If you’ve been using topical corticosteroids for a long time, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor to review your treatment.

Can topical corticosteroids be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

We aim to post within 14 working days all responses that contribute substantially to the topic investigated, as determined by the Editors. If you would like to report a pregnancy to UKTIS please click here to download our pregnancy reporting form. Clobetasol is contraindicated in dermatoses in children under one year of age, including dermatitis and nappy eruptions.

Suitable quantities of corticosteroid preparations

Please click here for further information, exceptions, and a patient leaflet. NHS England (NHSE) has published new prescribing guidance for various common conditions for which over the counter (OTC) items should not be routinely prescribed in primary care (quick reference guide). Topical corticosteroids cannot cure these conditions, but can help relieve the symptoms. Mild corticosteroids, such as clobetasone, hydrocortisone skin cream and hydrocortisone for piles and itchy bottom, can often be bought over the counter from pharmacies.

There are many different types and strengths of topical corticosteroids. In the event of overdose, clobetasol should be withdrawn gradually by reducing the frequency of application or by substituting a less potent corticosteroid because of the risk of glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. Once an acute episode has been treated effectively with a continuous course of topical corticosteroid, intermittent dosing (once daily, twice weekly, without occlusion) may be considered.

However, you should wash off any steroid cream applied to your breasts before feeding your baby. In adults, more potent steroids are typically used on the body and mild/moderate steroids on the face and skin folds (under arms, breast folds, groin and genitals). Topical corticosteroids can be systemically absorbed from intact healthy skin.

Advice to give to patients and carers:

Topical steroids can come in different formulations, including cream, ointment, foam or gel. Where a steroid is deemed appropriate for use on a child’s face avoid the more potent steroids and ensure that any steroid used is applied sparingly. It is intended to make information accessible, simple to use and is fully referenced. The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine you’re taking.

This length can be measured in terms of a fingertip unit (the distance from the tip of the adult index finger to the first crease). One fingertip unit (approximately 500 mg from a tube with a standard 5 mm diameter nozzle) is sufficient to cover an area that is twice that of the flat adult handprint (palm and fingers). The most common side effect of topical corticosteroids is a burning or stinging sensation when the medicine is applied. Most topical corticosteroids are considered safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Moderate steroid creams

Local hypersensitivity reactions (see section 4.8) may resemble symptoms of the condition under treatment. Topical corticosteroids are a type of steroid medicine applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and irritation. If you suffer from a skin condition that affects the scalp and head, there are topical treatments available that can specifically help with this, such as Betnovate Scalp Application and Betacap 0.1% Solution.