Using topical steroids with confidence
When your eczema flares up you may need more than just your emollient alone. As you probably already know, topical steroids are applied to the skin to help control inflammation and calm sore skin. Many people worry about using topical steroids, but they can be extremely helpful, if you know how to apply them properly.
What you need to know?
- Topical steroids are usually prescribed in cream or ointment format
- They also come in different strengths (referred to as potencies)
- Mild
- Moderate
- Potent
- Very potent
- As a general rule the potency of the steroid your doctor or nurse proscribes will match the severity of your eczema - so if your eczema is severe, you'll be given a potent topical steroid to use
- Skin is more delicate on certain parts of the body (like the face and groin) than others, so you're likely to be given a milder topical steroid if your eczema is in a delicate area
- You may also be given more than one topical steroid if patches of eczema on your body vary in how severe each one is - for example, one part of the body may need a mild topical steroid, whilst another may need a moderately potent one
- Topical steroids should be used as soon as your eczema flares up and until the flare-up has cleared, when you’ll need to 'step down' your treatment to just your emollient alone
- Always apply your steroid as directed by your doctor or nurse
How to apply your topical steroid
- Topical steroids should be applied just once or twice a day
- You will only need to apply a very small amount of any topical steroid and only to areas of active eczema (areas of itchy, red, inflamed skin, which may also be broken)
- Finger tip units can be a useful way to measure how much you need
- You can also use it if your skin is cracked
The difference between emollients and topical steroids
- Emollients and topical steroids are very different treatments and they are designed to do very different things:
- Your emollient will moisturise, soothe and protect your skin
- Your topical steroid (or steroids if you've been given more than one) will reduce inflammation to control eczema when it flares up
- It is important that you understand the difference between how each should be used, so you can apply topical steroids correctly and effectively.
- You need to use your emollient frequently and regularly, and put on lots of it.
- You need to do the opposite with your topical steroid – use it only during flare-ups and on areas of active eczema, at most twice a day and only in very small amounts.
Why not download our useful reminder guide on using topical steroids correctly and effectively.
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