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Corticosteroids (topical - mild)

  • 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

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3240		 DocRef:
dils2115		 Last Updated:
6 Aug 2008		 Date of Next Review:
6 Aug 2010		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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