Understanding Steroid Potency
Steroids are an effective treatment option for many skin conditions like eczema. However, not all steroids are created equal. Steroids come in a range of potencies from very mild to very strong. Understanding the potency chart for topical steroids can help you use them safely and effectively.
What Are Topical Steroids?
Topical steroids refer to creams, ointments and lotions that contain steroid medicines. The steroids help reduce inflammation and itchiness associated with skin conditions like eczema. Topical steroids work by mimicking the effects of hormones produced by our adrenal glands.
The potency of a topical steroid indicates how strongly it mimics natural hormones. High potency topical steroids have a powerful effect in reducing inflammation, while low potency steroids have a much gentler effect.
Steroid Potency Chart
Topical steroids are categorized into seven classes based on their potency. From weakest to strongest, they are:
- Class 7 - Low potency
- Class 6 - Low-medium potency
- Class 5 - Moderate potency
- Class 4 - Medium-high potency
- Class 3 - High potency
- Class 2 - Very high potency
- Class 1 - Super high potency
Some examples of topical steroids in each potency class include:
- Class 7 - Hydrocortisone
- Class 6 - Alclometasone, Desonide
- Class 5 - Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%, Fluocinolone 0.025%
- Class 4 - Triamcinolone acetonide 0.5%, Fluocinonide 0.05%
- Class 3 - Betamethasone diproprionate 0.05%, Clobetasol proprionate 0.05%
- Class 2 - Diflorasone diacetate 0.05%, Halcinonide 0.1%
- Class 1 - Clobetasol proprionate 0.05% (special formulation)
Using the Steroid Potency Chart
Understanding steroid potency allows doctors to prescribe the safest and most effective topical steroid for your condition. It prevents overtreatment with very high potency steroids when a milder option would work.
Factors Affecting Steroid Potency
The potency level indicates the potential strength of a topical steroid. However, a few other factors also impact the actual potency:
- Concentration - Higher concentrations increase potency.
- Base - The base impacts ability of the steroid to penetrate skin.
- Area treated - Application on thicker skin like palms and soles reduces potency.
Doctors combine all these factors to choose the optimal steroid potency for treatment.
Using Mild-Moderate Potency Steroids
Most patients are prescribed low to mid-strength topical steroids such as hydrocortisone and triamcinolone. These are usually enough to control eczema and bring relief from itching and swelling.
Milder topical steroids have lower risk of side effects. Hence doctors recommend using them on delicate areas like the face and skin folds.
Using High Potency Steroids
High potency topical steroids are reserved for severe inflammation that is unresponsive to milder steroids. They can bring dramatic relief by their strong anti-inflammatory action.
However, high potency steroids also have a higher risk of side effects like skin damage. Hence doctors carefully monitor patients using these steroids.
Side Effects of Topical Steroids
While topical steroids are very useful medications, they can sometimes cause side effects. Common ones include:
- Skin damage like appearance of stretch marks
- Thinning of skin
- Enlarged blood vessels under the skin
- Increased hair growth
- Skin discoloration
Using the right potency steroid minimizes the risk of side effects. Immediately contacting your doctor if you experience any adverse effects can also prevent worsening of damage.
Risks With Long Term Steroid Use
Using topical steroids daily for weeks to months carries some health risks:
- Adrenal suppression - The steroids can enter the bloodstream and reduce natural hormone production
- Cushing's syndrome - Exposure over large body areas can cause this hormonal disorder
- Growth delay - Absorption from skin folds and diaper area is linked with decreased growth in children
Doctors adjust the potency and treatment duration to ensure you get relief from eczema while staying safe from complications of topical steroid use.
Working With Your Doctor
With many topical steroid options to choose from, the decision can get confusing. Having an open conversation with your doctor is key to finding the ideal topical steroid for managing your eczema.
Here are some questions you may want to ask them:
- What potency steroid do you recommend for my condition?
- Which specific medication and strength will be most appropriate?
- How should I apply the topical steroid for best results?
- How long can I safely use this steroid?
- What side effects should I watch out for?
Understanding steroid potency empowers you to have an informed discussion with your doctor on using these medications safely. With the right topical steroid choice and usage guidance, you can gain better control over stubborn eczema symptoms.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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