People who experience side effects usually are not using steroid creams properly. In most cases, topical steroids are safe and well tolerated if used correctly. Very potent steroids should only be used for short periods, whereas milder ones can be used longer. As a general rule, to minimize the risk of side effects, use the lowest strength preparation that is effective. This is especially true if steroid cream is used on thin, sensitive skin such as the eyelids, genital areas, or the folds of the skin. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone is the lowest-potency steroid cream available, but could cause thinning of the skin if used daily for many consecutive weeks. Side effects are more common in high-potency prescription-strength steroid creams. Topical steroids come in different strengths, ranging from mild to moderate, potent and very potent. They work by preventing cells from producing inflammation-causing chemicals that are released in response to a variety of different triggers. Also, they help reduce the likelihood of infection that may occur as a result of scratching and trauma to the skin.Ĭommonly used topical steroids (corticosteroids) include hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, fluocinonide, and clobetasol. They can, however, be very effective in helping to control skin flare-ups and relieve symptoms, such as itching and irritation. Steroid creams have been used for the past 50 years, but are not a cure because they have no effect on the underlying cause of inflammation. They are the cornerstone and first-line treatment of these and many other skin diseases. Typically, steroid creams are used to reduce skin inflammation caused by conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. If you have to use hydrocortisone on your son for longer than two weeks at a time without improvement, you should have him evaluated by a dermatologist. Is it true that using steroid creams can thin the skin to the point that the skin is damaged? I have never heard of this and have used hydrocortisone and others for skin irritations on my five-year-old son for nearly two years. Steroid Creams Can Help with Skin Inflammation but Are Not a Cure
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