Why are there different strengths of corticosteroids?
Topical steroids can be divided into four different strengths – mild, moderate, potent and very potent. When you first see your doctor about your eczema you will probably be prescribed a mild steroid, and if this doesn’t work a stronger one may subsequently be tried to control the inflammation. You may need different strengths of steroid for different areas of skin. As a general rule the lowest strength preparation that is effective should be used, as this minimises the risk of side-effects. Very potent steroids should only be used for short periods of time, for example to bring flare-ups under control, whereas milder ones can be used for longer. The table below shows the potencies of some of the topical steroids that you may come across. Some contain additional ingredients such as antibiotics. NB. Corticosteroid preparations that also contain urea or salicylic acid are more potent than those containing the corticosteroid alone, as these ingredients increase the absorption of the stero
Related Questions
- Are package inserts required in all labeling pieces for products that are the same except for different strengths or dosages?
- What are some of the specific strengths and weaknesses of the different types of teeth whiteners?
- Are Polident® Denture Cleansers available in different forms, strengths or flavors?
