What Do Topical Steroids Treat?
Topical steroids effectively treat many inflammatory skin conditions, includingatopic dermatitis,psoriasis,seborrhea, andcontact dermatitis.
For most skin conditions, this regimen should continue until the rash resolves.
Ake Ngiamsanguan / Getty Images
The Strength of Topical Steroids
Different surfaces of the skin absorb topical steroids differently.
Therefore thestrength of the steroidshould correspond to the punch in of skin where it is to be applied.
The lower the steroid group number, the greater the risk of side effects.
The skin on the eyelids and face is thin and absorbs topical steroids rapidly.
A group VI or VII steroid should be applied in these sensitive areas.
The skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet is tough and thick.
Infants and young children have skin that absorbs topical steroids more readily, also requiring a low-potency steroid.
Hydrated skin is able to absorb topical medication much more efficiently than dry skin, providing faster relief.
Intermittent Dosing
A common side effect of topical steroid treatment is tachyphylaxis.
Tachyphylaxis is essentially a tolerance to the vasoconstrictive action of a steroid.
It is the rapid decrease in response to a topical steroid following its initial use.
It is sometimes more useful to apply topical steroids in intermittent doses.
Ference JD, Last AR.Choosing topical corticosteroids.Am Fam Physician.
2009;79(2):135-40.
Dhar S, Seth J, Parikh D.Systemic side-effects of topical corticosteroids.Indian J Dermatol.
