If potent or very potent topical corticosteroids are used for a long time or over a large area, there's a risk of the medicine being absorbed into the bloodstream and causing internal side effects, such as: A 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. It should be enough to treat an area of skin double the size of the flat of your hand with your fingers together. All emollients, with the exceptions of Zerodouble ®gel and WSP/LP (50:50), may be used as soap substitutes.Aqueous cream is

https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/emollients-and-risk-of-severe-and-fatal-burns-new-resources-available The medicine should only be applied to affected areas of skin. Gently smooth a thin layer onto your skin in the direction the hair grows. Wash your hands before and after you've applied the medicine, unless you are treating an area on your hands. Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you normally smoke. They will be able to offer you help and advice to stop smoking. Further advice and resourcesRead about other types of corticosteroids, including tablets, capsules, inhalers and injected corticosteroids. The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine you're taking. It's run by the medicines safety watchdog called the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). If you use an emollient or skin cream to treat a dry skin condition, please follow this advice. Avoid smoking Topical corticosteroids cannot cure these conditions, but can help relieve the symptoms. Who can use topical corticosteroids Change and wash your clothes and bedding frequently to reduce the build-up of skin cream. However, remember that whilst washing your clothing and bedding even at high temperatures might reduce the build-up, it does not remove it completely and the danger may remain. Keep cream off furniture

The recommended dosage will depend on what part of the body is being treated. This is because the skin is thinner in certain parts of the body and more sensitive to the effects of corticosteroids. Mild corticosteroids, such as clobetasone, hydrocortisone skin cream and hydrocortisone for piles and itchy bottom, can often be bought over the counter from pharmacies.

If you're using both topical corticosteroids and emollients, wait 20 to 30 minutes between using them. Fingertip units not recommended because it may cause stinging in a a high proportion of patients. Advise patients not to dip hands into tubs of Be careful to make sure the skin cream does not get onto the fabric of armchairs or other furniture, cushions and blankets. Be aware that the cream can transfer from your skin onto the fabric of furniture when you are sitting or lying on it. Tell relatives and carers Corticosteroids should not be confused with anabolic steroids. Conditions treated with topical corticosteroids Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, follow the directions on the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine. This will give details of how much to apply and how often.

Very potent topical corticosteroids are not usually prescribed for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for very young children. Sometimes you may be prescribed them under the supervision of a skincare specialist (dermatologist). How to use topical corticosteroids

Please note that parcels weighing over 2kg may be sent via courier due to Royal Mail weight restrictions. The most common side effect of topical corticosteroids is a burning or stinging sensation when the medicine is applied. However, this usually improves as your skin gets used to the treatment. Fragrances are a major cause of skin sensitization, and as a general principle, products containing fragrance should not be

Patient concordance and compliance with prescribed dermatology treatments is largely dependent on the cosmetic acceptability of the preparations concerned. The dermatology section of the formulary contains a full range of suitable products to meet the Most people only need to use the medicine once or twice a day for 3 to 7 days. Occasionally a doctor may suggest using it less frequently over a longer period of time.

If you need any medical or dental treatment, show your steroid treatment card to the doctor, dentist or pharmacist so they know that you're using topical corticosteroids. Withdrawal side effects