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| How to use your topical corticosteroid cream or ointment |
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Written by Helen Marshall, pharmacist
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Topical corticosteroid
creams and ointments are applied to the skin to reduce
inflammation in conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. They include medicines
such as hydrocortisone, betametasone and clobetasol.
Ointments are more greasy than
creams. They are preferable if your skin is dry, whereas
moist or weepy skin is best treated with a cream. Using a
cream or ointment allows the medicine to be applied directly
to the inflamed area of skin.
The most important thing to remember
with topical corticosteroid creams and ointments is to
apply them very thinly. This minimises the amount absorbed
through the skin into the body.
How to use your topical corticosteroid cream or
ointment
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The first time you take the cap off the cream
or ointment you may find the end of the tube is
sealed. You can pierce this seal by inverting the
cap of the tube and pushing it into the end of the tube.
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Wash the affected area(s) of skin
well and rinse away all traces of cleanser.
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Pat the skin dry rather than
rubbing it.
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Apply the cream or
ointment thinly and evenly to the affected area(s).
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Gently massage the cream or
ointment into the skin until it has all disappeared.
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Replace the cap on the tube.
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Wash your hands after applying the
cream or ointment, unless the hands are the affected
area.
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Topical corticosteroids
should not be applied more than twice a
day and once a day may often be sufficient. Follow the
instructions your doctor or pharmacist gives you.
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If you have other creams, ointments or lotions to use on the same area of skin you should try and leave about half an hour between applying each one so that they don't mix on the skin.
How much should you
use?
You can measure the amount
required to "apply thinly" in terms of the length of cream or ointment
squeezed out of the tube. This is measured in
fingertip units. One fingertip unit is
the distance from the tip of an adult index finger to the
first crease of that finger.
The
table below gives you a rough guide of how much cream or
ointment to use for an adult. You should use less than this
for smaller adults and children.
|
Affected body area |
Quantity of cream or
ointment to use for adults
|
| Both sides of one hand |
One fingertip unit |
| One foot |
Two fingertip units |
| One arm |
Three fingertip units |
| One leg |
Six fingertip units |
| Chest and
abdomen | Seven fingertip
units |
| Back and buttocks | Seven fingertip units |
Don't
worry if you have to use more or less than this - it is a
rough guide based on average adult body size.
Other
useful advice
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Only use topical corticosteroids on the affected areas of skin. Never use them as moisturisers.
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Do not use topical corticosteroids under
nappies or dressings, unless your doctor tells you
to. (Nappies and dressings make it easier for the
medicine to pass through the skin.)
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Do not use topical corticosteroids on the face
unless advised to do so by your doctor. If topical
corticosteroids are to be used on the face, they
should be limited to no more than five to seven days. Ensure the
product does not get in your eyes. Continued use of
topical corticosteroid preparations may lead to a
lightening of the skin.
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There will be more
medicine absorbed from raw skin, thin skin, the face and genitals, and areas
of skin that rub together, such as beneath the breasts
or between the buttocks, so take care if applying
creams or ointments to these areas.
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Over-use of any steroid cream or ointment,
especially for long periods on large areas of skin,
can result in too much medicine being absorbed into
the body. This may lead to thinning or weakening of the
skin or other side effects. Consult your doctor if
you experience skin irritation or any other unusual
effects.
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Certain
topical corticosteroid preparations can stain both the
skin and clothes. To prevent the latter, a clean cloth
or cotton bandage can be placed over the affected
area. However, don't cover the area with airtight dressings unless directed by your doctor, as these can increase the absorption of the steroid into the body.
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Always follow the
advice on the printed label of the tube/box and/or
as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
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Don't give your medicines to anyone else
to use, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
They may be harmful to other people.
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Always keep medicines out of the reach of
children.
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Creams and
ointments are designed only for application to the
skin. If they are accidentally taken by mouth, tell your
doctor at once.
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If you get
the cream or ointment in your eye, rinse it out
immediately with warm water and consult your doctor if
there is any on-going irritation.
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Do not use your cream or ointment after the
expiry date on the tube.
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If
you forget to apply your cream or ointment, apply the
correct dose when you remember, and then carry on as
before.
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Last updated 28.03.2007
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