What are common topical steroid creams?

These topical steroids are considered potent:

• Amcinonide 0.1% (Cyclocort cream, lotion)
• Mometasone furoate 0.1% (Elocon ointment)
• Fluticasone propionate 0.005% (Cutivate ointment)
• Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% (Betanate cream)
• Triamcinolone acetonide 0.5% (Kenalog cream, ointment)

What is steroid cream good for?

Typically, steroid creams are used to reduce skin inflammation caused by conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. They are the cornerstone and first-line treatment of these and many other skin diseases.

How long is it safe to use topical steroids?

Ultra-high-potency topical steroids should not be used continuously for longer than three weeks. Low- to high-potency topical steroids should not be used continuously for longer than three months to avoid side effects.

Why are steroid creams bad?

Common side effects of corticosteroids can include stretch marks as well as thinning, thickening or darkening of the skin. Less often, these steroids can cause acne or infected hair follicles or more serious side effects in the eyes like glaucoma and cataracts.

What happens if you use too much topical steroid?

With long-term use of topical steroid the skin may develop permanent stretch marks (striae), bruising, discolouration, or thin spidery blood vessels (telangiectasias). Topical steroids may trigger or worsen other skin disorders such as acne, rosacea and perioral dermatitis.

Do topical steroids thin skin permanently?

Steroid-induced skin atrophy is often permanent, though if caught soon enough and the topical corticosteroid discontinued in time, the degree of damage may be arrested or slightly improve. However, while the accompanying telangiectasias may improve marginally, the stretch marks are permanent and irreversible.

Can you use topical steroids on broken skin?

Cover broken skin with a thin layer of a topical steroid then a thick layer of a cream or ointment. Then, put a wet bandage over the ointment and cover that with a dry bandage. The bandage will help your skin absorb the cream and stay moist.

Can I put hydrocortisone on broken skin?

Do not use it on areas of broken skin or on open sores. Unless you have been supplied with a preparation which also contains an anti-infective agent (such as miconazole or clotrimazole), do not use it on any areas of infected skin. Apply the cream/ointment once or twice a day.

What is the best over the counter steroid cream?

These topical steroids are considered to have the highest potency: Clobetasol propionate 0.05% (Temovate) Halbetasol propionate 0.05% (Ultravate cream, ointment, lotion) Diflorasone diacetate 0.05% (Psorcon ointment) Betamethasone dipropionate 0.25% (Diprolene ointment, gel)

What is the most potent steroid cream?

The most potent forms of topical steroids are usually only recommended to be used for periods of no longer than three weeks at a time. One type of highly potent topical steroid is betamethasone dipropionate, which may be used for severe cases of inflammation from conditions such as psoriasis or lupus.

What are the side effects of steroid cream?

Some of the most commonly reported side effects of creams containing steroids include thinning skin, loss of pigment at the application site, and the development of stretch marks. Rare but serious potential side effects of steroid cream include weakening of the immune system, menstrual irregularities, and organ damage.

What are the effects of steroid cream on skin?

These include: A stinging or burning feeling when you first apply the treatment. Thinning of the skin has always been considered a common problem. With long-term use of topical steroid the skin may develop permanent stretch marks (striae), bruising, discolouration, or thin spidery blood vessels (telangiectasias).