Corticosteroids

General Principles

  • Main side effects ➔ skin atrophy
  • Face and intertriginous areas ➔ low potency steroids ONLY
  • High potency steroids should be limited to 3 weeks of use (~20 days per month)
    • Optimal absorption if applied after bathing (hydration promotes steroid penetration)
  • Ointments - most potent due to occlusive effect, good for thick, hyperkeratotic lesions and areas of smooth, NON-hairy skin. Avoid hairy and intertriginous areas (can cause skin maceration and folliculitis)
  • Creams - more cosmetically appealing and well tolerated. Less potent than ointments
  • Lotions - Useful in hairy and intertriginous areas. Less potent than creams 

Corticosteroid Potencies

Low Potency

Medium Potency

High Potency

Very High Potency

Desonide 0.05% (cream, lotion, ointment)

Triamcinolone (Kenalog) 0.025% (ointment, cream)

Hydrocortisone acetate (OTC) – 2.5%)

Triamcinolone (Kenalog) 0.1% (ointment, cream)

Hydrocortisone valerate 0.2% (ointment, cream)

Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% (ointment, cream, lotion)

Triamcinolone (Kenalog) 0.5% (ointment, cream)

Clobetasol 0.05% (cream, ointment, lotion, gel, foam)
Last updated on