PEBC: What You Need to Know: Topical Corticosteroids

Examples:

Weak potency: hydrocortisone, desonide

Medium potency: betamethasone valerate, mometasone

Strong potency: clobetasol propionate, betamethasone dipropionate

Dosing:

-may be applied multiple times daily

-apply a thin layer (some doctors may recommend thick application for thick scaly areas)

Formulations:

-cream, ointment, lotion

-ointments are preferred for thick, scaly or dry areas

-lotions are preferred for hairy areas, as well as “wet” areas

Adverse Effects:

-skin irritation

-telangiectasia (spider veins)

-skin atrophy (with long durations and large amounts) - prefer to use weak topical corticosteroids on thin areas such as folds and face, as well as young babies and elderly

-tachyphylaxis - tolerance if applied regularly. Try to minimize duration of use

-very rarely systemic effects (unless long duration of use or large amounts absorbed)