Steroid use

Ask our experts your questions about all aspects of eczema and dry skin.

Moderator: talkhealth

Locked
4 posts
User avatar
ckbridgett
Posts: 43
Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2012 8:21 am
Location: London,UK
Quote

by ckbridgett on Wed Sep 17, 2014 10:19 am

Re: Steroid use

Hi there!
I hope I can help, but the situation you describe can have many explanations. Unsatisfactory response to topical steroid treatment can be because the correct strength is not used, and not used for long enough.
Topical steroids are useful and important in treating atopic eczema, but they need understanding.
See http://www.atopicskindisease.com/articles/FF19
Dr Christopher Bridgett
Consultant Psychiatrist

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... idgett.php

User avatar
Dr Stephen Kownacki
Posts: 25
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2011 9:02 am
Quote

by Dr Stephen Kownacki on Mon Sep 22, 2014 11:54 pm

Re: Steroid use

An additional suggestion is that we find it important to continue applying the right potency of topical steroid to the area affected for up to a week after the skin looks normal since it is not yet normal under the surface. Secondly applying the steroid for 2 days a week or just at weekends, again to the area that was inflamed can prevent flares. This can be done for many months with no risk of skin thinning since the skin has time to recover from the steroid effect on the other 5 days. Emollients should be continued indefinitely of course.
Dr Stephen Kownacki
MBBS LRCP MRCS MRCGP DRCOG

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/online_clinics/experts/dr_stephen_kownacki.php

User avatar
Dr Jonathan Bowling
Posts: 37
Joined: Fri May 11, 2012 11:21 am
Location: Oxford & London
Quote

by Dr Jonathan Bowling on Tue Sep 23, 2014 10:01 pm

Re: Steroid use

Hi There,

In addition to the previous comments I often use the following two regimes to gain control childhood eczema.

Firstly using a stronger steroid at the weekend and a milder steroid during the week, gradually reducing the strength of both products as the skin responds.

Secondly using Protopic ointment (paediatric strength 0.03%) which lacks many of the side effects of steroids.

I hope this helps
Dr Jonathan Bowling FRCP
Consultant Dermatologist
Oxford

http://www.mydermatologist.co.uk
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... owling.php

Locked
4 posts