Tips on using a steroid cream or ointment
Steroid creams are commonly used to control rashes such as eczema or psoriasis. They have been used for over 60 years for treating inflammation in the skin. Below are a few tips on getting the most out of your steroid treatment:
- Apply enough. One of the most common reasons for steroid creams not working is that not enough is applied. The package insert will usually say something like “apply sparingly” – but what does this mean? As a guide, the amount squeezed out from the tip of your finger to the first crease contains 0.5g of steroid cream. This is known as the Finger Tip Unit, and is enough to cover the surface area of both of your hands (palm side, including fingers)
- Use frequently and cut down gradually. Typically your doctor will recommend you use the steroid cream once or twice a day for a week or even longer. Your doctor may even ask you to cut down gradually than stop using the cream abruptly.
- Use the right type of preparation for the right body area. Lotions and foams are easier to apply on the scalp, creams are useful for weepy or moist areas, and ointments are best for dry and cracked areas.
- Use moisturisers too. Your doctor will probably recommend a moisturiser. This is best applied 20 minutes after the steroid treatment and regularly through out the day.
- Avoid soaps. Any soap, shower gel, cleansing foam (essentially anything that lathers up) can make an irritable skin condition worse, and to get the most out of your steroid cream, make sure you are avoiding other factors that can make your skin more inflamed such as soaps.
- Don’t use steroid creams longer than advised. Using strong steroid creams for prolonged periods (many weeks) can thin the skin and you should only do this under the supervision of your doctor or Dermatologist. If your rash recurs very quickly after stopping steroid treatment then you should see your doctor to discuss maintenance treatments.
Midland Skin Institute are a leading private Dermatology Clinic staffed by specialist and accredited consultant Dermatologists. Find out more about us at Midland Skin Institute or call 0121 222 5242 to arrange an appointment.
I cannot emphisise the importance of the last point on you list highly enough.
I was stupid, ignoring doctors advice and using steroid creams daily for many years, needing stronger and stronger creams to get any effect. In the end, I had “red skin syndrome” caused by prolonged exposure to steroid creams for 15 years.
These creams are only designed o be used for a week, but so many people abuse them instead of following the guidelines on the tube.
Thank you for your helpful comment. We agree entirely that steroid creams, like any other medication, should applied as directed by the prescriber.
If I think the area looks Ok, can I stop using it sooner than recommended? I’ve had awful eczema under my eyes but, after using the steroid cream for three days, it’s looking and feeling so much better, I’d like to stop using it but the doctor said to apply it twice a day for a week. I’m concerned about the skin thinning it might cause so I’d prefer to use it as little as possible in case the eczema returns and I have to use this treatment again in the future.