![]() If you're using a potent or very potent topical corticosteroid for several weeks or more, you may be given a steroid treatment card that explains how you can reduce the risk of side effects. For more information on side effects, see the leaflet that comes with the medicine. This is not a full list of all the possible side effects. 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: The elderly and very young are more vulnerable to side effects. using it for a very long time, or over a large area.excessive hair growth on the area of skin being treated.changes in skin colour – this is usually more noticeable in people with dark skin.rosacea, which is a condition that causes the face to become red and flushed.contact dermatitis, which is a skin irritation caused by a mild allergic reaction to the substances in a particular topical corticosteroid.stretch marks, which are likely to be permanent, although they'll probably become less noticeable over time.thinning of the skin, which can make the affected skin more vulnerable to damage for example, you may bruise more easily.worsening or spreading of a skin infection you already have.However, this usually improves as your skin gets used to the treatment. 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.
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