Sign inBefore using corticosteroids (topical - potent)
Before using corticosteroids (topical - potent) 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).
- If you suffer from widespread plaque psoriasis (characterised by raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by a silvery white scale and typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back).
How to use corticosteroids (topical - potent)
- 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. As an example, 2 finger tip units will treat both hands or one foot in an adult.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Do not apply to the face or skin flexures (inside of elbows, backs of knees) unless directed to by your doctor.
- The use of corticosteroids (topical - potent) in psoriasis may cause relapse, or pustular psoriasis (psoriasis with clearly defined, raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pus)- if this happens, stop using your corticosteroids (topical - potent) and contact your doctor immediately.
- If using corticosteroids (topical - potent) in children, limit treatment to 5 - 7 days only.
- Long-term use is generally discouraged. If you see no improvement after a two weeks, see your doctor again.
- Do not cover the area treated with corticosteroids (topical - potent) unless directed to by your doctor.
Can corticosteroids topical (potent) 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. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who use this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Spread and worsening of untreated infection | Contact your doctor |
| Thinning of the skin | This may improve once treatment has stopped |
| Discoloration of skin | This may disappear once treatment has stopped |
| Burning of skin, itching | Speak to your doctor if this persists. |
Sometimes, the absorption of corticosteroids (topical - potent) through the skin can cause adrenal suppression and Cushing's syndrome, generally when treatment is carried out on a large surface area, for a long time. Signs of adrenal suppression include stomach pain, weight loss, feeling or being sick, headache.
In addition, you may notice changes in hair growth as a result of repeated courses of topical steroids over a long time. Stretch marks may also develop.
How to store corticosteroids topical (potent)
- 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
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References
- British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
- Summary of Product Characteristics, Betnovate® Cream, GlaxoSmithkline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated 25 January 2005, accessed 10 January 2008
- Summary of Product Characteristics, Betnovate® RD Cream, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised February 2005, accessed December 2007.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Betnovate® Cream, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2004, accessed 10 July 2008.