Topical corticosteroids have been used for about 50
years and their introduction was a milestone in dermatology. They are used to
treat inflammatory skin conditions by suppressing the inflammatory reaction and
relieving symptoms. However, they are not curative and attempts to increase
potency have often been associated with more adverse effects.
Many persons self-diagnose themselves and use topical steroids unnecessarily
for prolonged periods of time without the consideration or knowledge of the
potential harmful side-effects.
Some of these side-effects are:
- Skin thinning (atrophy) and
stretch marks
- Easy bruising and tearing of
the skin.
- Enlarged blood vessels
(telangiectasia)
- Susceptibility to skin
infections, e.g. impetigo, herpes simplex, malassezia folliculitis
and molluscum contagiosum
- Disguising skin infection, e.g.
tinea incognito
- Delaying diagnosis and
treatment of skin cancer, because of the anti-inflammatory action of
topical steroid. Topical steroids do not have an anti-tumour effect.
- Aggravating certain
inflammatory skin conditions, particularly pustular psoriasis, steroid
acne and steroid rosacea
The table above shows the potency of topical steriods. If you are a
person who uses potent topical steroids without the medical advice of a
physician, it is safer to be evaluated before doing this.
Feel free to contact
us for further information or ask any questions you may have.
Candid B for Psoriasis is a no-no then? Or a yes-yes?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your question. Candid B is a cream which contains both a topical antifungal and strong steroid. Psoriasis is a chronic immune mediated disease which is commonly treated with topical steroids. Psoriasis is not fungal in nature and so Candid B would not be ideal although it does contain a steriod. Ideally, medication needed to treat psoriasis should be prescribed especially topical steroids.
ReplyDeleteMy sister tends to use Elocon anytime she gets a mosquito bite, let's say 2-3 times a week. Any major side effects from doing this?
ReplyDeletewow ! that table was most helpful. been looking for one like that a while now.thanks
ReplyDeleteElocon cream contains the drug mometasone which is a class 2 potent steriod. Side effects of the potent steriods are listed above. A steriod like elocon should not be used for the treatment of insect bites because of the side effect profile of the drug. Your sister should consider a topical antihistamine to help with the itching such as benadryl cream or histergan.
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter. Glad the site was beneficial to you!
ReplyDeleteV Psor Psoriasis Cream is a safe and natural approach to control psoriasis and skin diseases such as leucoderma, leprosy and other eruptive skin disorders.
ReplyDelete