Creams
Steroid Creams
Steroid creams fact card
Used to treat inflammatory skin conditions. Steroid creams can be available combined with antibacterial and/or antifungal creams.
- Brand names
- Eumovate, Betnovate, Dermovate, Elocon.
- Used for
- Steroid creams are used to treat a variety of inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions, insect bites, irritant or contact dermatitis.
- Dosage
- Side effects
- The most common side effects include itching or irritation of the skin. Prolonged use may lead to tinning of the skin, stretch marks, pigmentation, and hair growth.
- Warnings
- Overuse or inappropriate use can lead to skin thinning and pigmentation. Children should be supervised at all times, as systemic absorption can lead to growth stunting.
- Pregnancy
- Not known to be harmful in pregnancy.
Steroid creams are types of medicines used to treat a large number of conditions that cause inflammation. This could include eczema, psoriasis and allergies.
What is Steroid creams used to treat?
They can be used to treat eczema, psoriasis, skin allergies, insect stings and hay fever.
How does Steroid creams work?
Steroids are hormones that naturally occur in the body; they can be man made for medicinal purposes. Corticosteroids are the type of steroids used to treat diseases.
These can be available as creams , ointments, lotions , suppositories, drops and sprays.
Steroid creams work by reducing inflammation including redness and swelling. They do this by stopping cells from producing "inflammation-specific" chemicals that are usually released in response to a variety of triggers such as an insect sting.
How do I take Steroid creams?
It is important to use Steroid creams as your doctor or Pharmacist has advised.
In most cases steroid creams are to be applied once a day; however this does depend on your condition & the strength of the steroid prescribed.
Possible side effects of steroid creams include;
- Thinning of the skin
- Permanent stretch marks
- Allergic Contact dermatitis
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Hair growth where the cream has been applied
- In children long term steroid use can affect their growth; but this would be frequent courses of strong steroids- therefore it is important if this is the case to have regular growth checks with your doctor.
Things to avoid
Avoid long term use unless directed by your doctor/dermatologist.
Long term use of the stronger/potent steroids requires a reduction regime and not an abrupt stop.
Steroid creams and alcohol
Only trace amount of the cream enters the bloodstream so will not be affected by alcohol.
Can I take Steroid creams when pregnant?
Can be used in pregnancy under medical advice.
Steroid creams and breastfeeding
Should be used with medical advice.