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Topical Corticosteroids

Depending on how it is made, a drug may have different strengths.  For example, ointments are often stronger than creams.  Below is the steroid strength classification used by Drug Facts & Comparisons®.

 

Strength

 

Low

Hydrocortisone 2.5% cream, ointment, lotion

Desonide (DesOwen®) 0.05% cream, ointment, lotion

Hydrocortisone 1% (over-the-counter)

Alclometasone (Aclovate®)

Fluocinolone cream, solution 0.01% (Synalar®)

Medium

Triamcinole (Kenalog®) 0.025%, 0.1% cream, ointment, lotion

Betamethasone valerate (Valisone®) 0.1% cream, lotion

Fluocinolone cream, ointment 0.025% (Synalar®)

Flurandrenolide (Cordran®)

Hydrocortison valerate (Westcort®)

Hydrocortison butyrate (Locoid®)

Mometasone (Elocon®)

Flucatisone proprionate (Cutivate®)

Clocortolone 0.1% (Cloderm®)

Desoximetasone 0.05% (Topicort®)

Betamethasone diproprionate lotion (Maxivate®, Diprosone®)

High

Triamicinolone (Kenalog®) 0.5% cream, lotion

Betamethasone valerate (Valisone®) 0.1% ointment

Fluocinonide (Lidex®) 0.05% cream, ointment, gel

Betamethasone diproprionate cream, ointment (MaxivateÒ, Diprosone®)

Betamethasone diproprionate augmented cream (Diprolene AF®)

Amcinonide 0.1% (Cyclocort®)

Halcinonide 0.1% (Halag®)

Desoximetasone 0.25% (Topicort®)

Diflorasone cream (Florone®, Maxiflor®, Psorcon®)

Fluocinolone cream 0.2% (Synalar®)

Very High

Clobetasol (Temovate®) 0.05% cream, ointment, solution, gel

Betamethasone diproprionate augmented cream (Diprolene AF®)

Diflorasone ointment (Florone®, Maxiflor®, Psorcon®)

Halobestasol proprionate (Ultravate®)

 

Action

 

Reduces inflammation of the skin by:

  • Decreasing itching
  • Decreasing blood vessel leakiness (edema) and dilation (redness)
  • Interfering with the action of many inflammatory cells (white blood cells specializing in skin reactions)
How supplied

 

Ointment, cream, gel, lotion or solution

 

Dose

 

Put on the rash area evenly and thinly.  Use one to two times a day.  It is best to use at bedtime or right after a bath or shower.  Check with your doctor for more directions if the rash gets worse while you are using this treatment.

 

Long-term Side Effects
  • Redness and thinning of the skin
  • Blood vessels begin to stand out more
  • Lightening of skin color or white sports
  • Acne
  • Side effects are more likely with long-term use of medium to high strength topical corticosteroids.
Special Instructions
  • Only use the medicine for the problem for which it was prescribed.  Use it only for the recommended time period.  Do not let anyone else use this medicine.
  • Keep out of your eyes
  • Do not use medium or high strength medicine on the face, groin and armpits.  This increases the risk of side effects.
Phone Numbers

 

If you have any questions or concerns call the Dermatology Clinic where you were seen.

 

UW Clinics East Dermatology

5249 East Terrace Drive

Madison WI 53718

(608) 265-1288

fax: (608) 265-1249

UW Clinics West Dermatology

451 Junction Road

Madison WI  53717

(608) 265-7670

fax: (608) 265-7759

 

 

 

 

 

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/13/2007

Copyright © 07/27/2006 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5791

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