The most common side effect of topical corticosteroids is a burning or stinging sensation when the medicine is applied. If you use them correctly, topical corticosteroids rarely have serious side effects.

8 FTUs for 1 leg and foot, the chest or backįor children, the recommended FTUs will depend on their age.4 FTUs for a hand and arm together, or the buttocks.1.5 FTUs for the feet, including the soles.This is because the skin is thinner in certain parts of the body and more sensitive to the effects of corticosteroids.įor adults, the recommended FTUs to be applied in a single dose are:

The recommended dosage will depend on what part of the body is being treated. It should be enough to treat an area of skin double the size of the flat of your hand with your fingers together. Sometimes, the amount of medicine you're advised to use will be given in fingertip units (FTUs).Ī FTU (about 500mg) is the amount needed to squeeze a line from the tip of an adult finger to the first crease of the finger. If you're using both topical corticosteroids and emollients, wait 20 to 30 minutes between using them. Wash your hands before and after you've applied the medicine, unless you are treating an area on your hands. Gently smooth a thin layer onto your skin in the direction the hair grows. The medicine should only be applied to affected areas of skin. Occasionally a doctor may suggest using it less frequently over a longer period of time. Most people only need to use the medicine once or twice a day for 3 to 7 days. This will give details of how much to apply and how often. Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, follow the directions on the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine. Sometimes you may be prescribed them under the supervision of a skincare specialist (dermatologist). Very potent topical corticosteroids are not usually prescribed for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for very young children. You should wash off any steroid cream applied to your breasts before feeding your baby. Your doctor will consider the area of skin where you need to use it, how often you'll use it and the condition of your skin. Most topical corticosteroids are considered safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

you have certain skin conditions, including rosacea and acne.

you have infected skin, unless advised by a doctor.Most adults and children can use topical corticosteroids safely, but there are situations when they are not recommended. Topical corticosteroids cannot cure these conditions, but can help relieve the symptoms. contact dermatitis – which causes symptoms such as dandruff and scaly patches on the skin.Conditions treated with topical corticosteroidsĬonditions widely treated with topical corticosteroids include: Read about other types of corticosteroids, including tablets, capsules, inhalers and injected corticosteroids.Ĭorticosteroids should not be confused with anabolic steroids. Stronger types, such as beclometasone, betamethasone, clobetasol, fluticasone and mometasone, are only available on prescription. Mild corticosteroids, such as clobetasone, hydrocortisone skin cream and hydrocortisone for piles and itchy bottom, can often be bought over the counter from pharmacies.

They're available in 4 different strengths (potencies): Topical corticosteroids are available in several different forms, including: Topical corticosteroids are a type of steroid medicine applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and irritation.

Hydrocortisone cream uses