Print options:

Other options:

Corticosteroids (topical - mild)

Post your experience

Apply as directed by your doctor, usually not more than twice daily.
Spread thinly, using the specified number of fingertip units.
Corticosteroids (topical - mild) should not be used on broken or infected skin.

About corticosteroids (topical - mild)

Type of medicine	Topical corticosteroid
Used for	Insect bite reactions Inflammation of the skin due to allergy or irritation to a substance Mild to moderate eczema
Also called	Dioderm® Mildison Lipocream® Dermacort® Synalar 1 in 10 Dilution®
Available as	Cream Ointment

Topical corticosteroids work by being absorbed into the skin cells, and stopping these cells from producing chemicals which cause inflammation. This reduces the symptoms of swelling, itching and redness that are associated with inflammatory skin conditions.

Topical means that is applied onto the skin and mild refers to the potency of the corticosteroid.

Before using corticosteroids (topical - mild)

Before using corticosteroids (topical - mild) make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you have any areas of infected skin.
If you suffer from acne rosacea.
If you suffer from perioral dermatitis (skin rash around the mouth).

How to use corticosteroids (topical - mild)

Apply as directed by your doctor, usually not more than twice daily.
Spread thinly, using the specified number of fingertip units.
A fingertip unit is the amount of topical steroid that is squeezed out from a standard tube along an adults fingertip.

Getting the most from your treatment

Corticosteroids (topical - mild) should not be used on broken or infected skin including cold sores, acne rosacea, chickenpox, ringworm, thrush or athlete's foot.
If treating eczema, the use of emollients is very important. Emollients are creams, ointments and lotions which moisturise the skin to keep it supple.
Reducing the presence of the house dust mite by regularly vacuuming carpets, damp dusting and airing bed linen may help.

Can corticosteroids (topical - mild) cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Side effects with corticosteroids (topical - mild) are rare, although thinning of the skin may occur on prolonged use. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if the treated area appears to be getting worse.

How to store corticosteroids (topical - mild)

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
National Eczema Society

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
3240

DocRef:
dils2115

Last Updated:
6 Aug 2008

Date of Next Review:
6 Aug 2010

Version:
23

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

Patient UK Hearing Impairment Survey

Patient UK are grateful to the 550 people who took part in this survey.
To see the results click here.
If you'd like to leave your feedback, please go to our interactive forum.

Print options:

Other options:

Advert

Want to search some more? Use the Google Search box below to search our site.

Related pages in Patient UK

Patient UK Newspaper (^ top of page)

Latest Health News

View current health news

Other - Useful resources (^ top of page)

Pictures, diagrams, photos, images, etc.
Evidence based medicine
Online textbooks and journals
UK Guidelines
Online Videos
Medline
Other good health sites

Want to search some more? Use the Google Search box below to search our site.

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Information Leaflets which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Support Groups which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Medicines & Drugs which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of diagrams which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of PatientPlus (detailed reference) articles which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of UK Guidelines which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of other selected websites which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Poems and Stories which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Operations and Procedures which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Online Videos which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links through to our interactive forum.
Here you can follow a link to view existing patient experiences on this subject, or to add your own

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to news stories on this subject in our Online Newspaper

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to related products

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to other useful sources of information

Click here to open a printer-friendly version of this document, in a new window, together with the print dialogue box

Click here to open this document in PDF format
This will offer you the usual PDF options i.e. document navigation, search, zoom and formatted print
Note: this is the best way to print the document

Click here to listen to the MP3 audio recording of this document

Click here to download the audio recording of this document as a podcast, for listening to at your leisure

Click here to open our Dictionaries and Glossaries page

Click here to see related products in our Online Pharmacy
Note: this will open in a new window

Click here to add this page to a social bookmarking site of your choice

Click here if you want to find out more about social bookmarking. This link will take you to the Wikipedia explanation
Note: this will open in a new window