Education Resource Center: Using Topical Prescription Steroids
Topical steroids are commonly prescribed to treat eczema. Steroids come in many strengths – low, mid, high, and ultra-high.
Note: this list does not include all topical steroids. Talk with your doctor or pharmacists about the treatment you may be using.
Your doctor will decide which steroid, and what strength, is best for you based on:
- Age
- Breakout areas of the body
- Symptom severity
If you are confused about how to use your steroid talk to your doctor so that he or she can explain how to use it appropriately. Your doctor may not want you to apply your steroid every day for a long time because in certain circumstances, this can result in side effects, such as striae (stretch marks) and atrophy (thinning of the skin).
| Strength | Classification | Examples | Brand Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | VII | Hydrocortisone 1% - 2.5% | Hytone® |
| Low | VI | Desonide 0.05% | DesOwen® Tridesilon® |
| Mid | V | Betamethasone valerate 0.1% Fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% | Valisone® Synalar® |
| Mid | IV | Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% Mometasone furoate 0.1% | Kenalog® Elocon® (cream) |
| High | III | Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% Mometasone furoate 0.1% | Diprosone® (cream) Elocon® (ointment) |
| High | II | Halobetasol propionate 0.05% Fluocinonide 0.05% Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% | Ultravate® (cream) Lidex® Diprosone® (ointment) |
| Ultra-High | I | Clobetasol propionate 0.05% Halobetasol propionate 0.05% | Temovate® Ultravate® (ointment) |
