Prescribing topical steroids to manage flares

To manage eczema flares, your patients may need more than emollient therapy alone and guidelines recommend the use of topical steroids^1,3, which come as creams and ointments, in a range of strengths (mild, moderate, potent and very potent).

Product			Severity of eczema
Brand	Generic	Potency	Mild	Moderate	Severe
Efcortelan	Hydrocortisone 0.1%	Mild
Synalar	Fluocinolone acetonide 0.0025%	Mild
Betnovate RD	Betamethasone valerate 0.025%	Moderate
Eumovate	Clobetasone butyrate 0.05%	Moderate
Modrasone	Alclometasone dipropionate 0.05%	Moderate
Betnovate	Betamethasone valerate 0.1%	Potent
Cutivate	Fluticasone propionate 0.05%	Potent
Diprosone	Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%	Potent
Elocon	Mometasone furoate 0.1%	Potent
Dermovate	Clobetasol propionate 0.0525%	Very potent			Adults only

A full list of topical steroids can be found on the British National Formulary (BNF) ⁷

When prescribing a topical steroid, it is preferable to choose one with a once-daily application to improve adherence. A step-wise approach should be used – starting with the correct potency based on the severity of the eczema, then ⁸:

• Stepping down as the severity decreases
• Or stepping up to twice-daily application or a more potent steroid, if no improvement is seen

The location of the eczema should also be considered in the prescribing decision; for example, treatment of eczema on delicate areas of skin, such as the face, should only be with a mild steroid.¹

Additional treatment options » « Choosing the right emollient

Schering-Plough logo

• Contact us
• Site map
• Privacy statement
• Terms of use