Eczema is a group of skin disorders that cause inflammation, itching, and a rash-like appearance. While eczema is a chronic condition, it's treatable. One of these treatments is steroid cream. Although not a cure, steroid cream can help relieve symptoms and relieve inflammation and redness.
Topical steroids may reduce inflammation and skin irritation associated with eczema. Another name for these medications is corticosteroids. They are available in many forms, such as creams, ointments, lotions, gels, and foams. Most people need to use hydrocortisone cream or ointment once or twice a day.
If you use it twice a day, try to leave a space for 8 to 12 hours before using it again. Commonly used topical steroids (corticosteroids) include hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, fluocinonide, and clobetasol. They work by preventing cells from producing chemicals that cause inflammation and are released in response to a variety of different triggers. In mild eczema, a special skincare routine may be sufficient to keep the condition at bay.
If the skin is inflamed and itchy, a topical corticosteroid ointment or cream is also applied to the rash. Topical means “applied to the skin”. These products can effectively reduce itching and inflammation. They are used until the symptoms disappear.
If steroids should not be used for any reason, the drugs pimecrolimus or tacrolimus may be considered. They belong to a group of medicines called calcineurin inhibitors. They are used if, for example, sensitive areas such as the face or genitals are affected. While topical steroids may be effective in improving skin inflammation in patients with eczema, research has confirmed the need to avoid long-term daily use of topical steroids.
The National Eczema Association is committed to raising awareness of topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), a potential serious side effect of topical steroid use that patients and providers don't easily recognize. Topical steroids can also increase the likelihood of skin infections because steroids inhibit skin immune function. For example, a low-potency steroid may be recommended for sensitive skin, such as the face, and a higher-potency steroid on the trunk. Because of the lack of research and the lack of clear diagnostic criteria, it is not yet known how many steroids cause TSW, how many people have the condition, and what percentage of people using topical steroids can develop it.
