Question 1

is there anything i can do to help treat eczema, besides applying topical steroids medications?

Accepted Answer

Inhibit Calcineurin: There is another group of topical drugs that are not steroids, and are very effective for eczema. These are called calcineurin inhibitors and include protopic® and elidel®.  These medications are safe for use on the face as well as on the rest of the body. They should be used sparingly on affected areas only. They sometimes burn a bit; refrigerating helps. Let your doc explain the fda warning.

Question 2

after using topical steroids to control a chronic condition for 1-2 weeks, how long do you give your body or spot on the body a break? is it one, two, or three weeks off?

Accepted Answer

: The general rule of thumb is equal time. If you use the topical steroid for 2 weeks, take 2 weeks off. This is critically important with the high dose steroids, as continued use can cause thinning of the skin and damage to underlying structures.

Question 3

are topical steroids safe for women?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The use of  topical steroids is for a variety of cutaneous, mucosal and  occular conditions to name a few. This also includes your  pets. They are  safe  but like any medication you take they can have side effects. Theirs can include allergic reaction  to the product, infection, tissue atrophy if you use too high a amount on thin skin. The safety is similar in women, men, children, pets, etc.

Question 4

where can i find topical steroids otc?

Accepted Answer

You Can't: Topical steroids are by prescription only in us.

Question 5

when can topical steroids re
sume after taking a break from

2 weeks usage?

Accepted Answer

Depends on details: One's primary care doctor, dermatologist, or allergist who is taking care of the problem needing steroids would be the person to ask. How often to use a course of topical steroids, which steroid (there are many), and how long each treatment course is depends on what the disorder is, how the patient responds to the drug, the patient's whole medical picture, how many courses he will need, etc...

Question 6

hi docs, would topical steroid creams have any internal affects?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: There is minor absorption of topical steroid through the skin. This is usually in very small amounts and is not enough to cause any real issues. However, if one uses cream over large areas of the body there could be enough absorption to cause issues.

Question 7

is it safe to mix topical steroids?

Accepted Answer

Topical steroids: It is not advisable to apply more than one topical steroid at a time. Firstly, using more than one will increase the amount of steroids absorbed by the skin causing more bad side effects. Secondly, it will be difficult to assess the effectiveness of the steroid you suse.

Question 8

what are the side effects to topical steroids?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If topical steroids are used for short periods then they should be tolerated fine. Some steroids are more potent then others. They can lighthen or discolor the skin if used too long. They can cause atophy or loss of skin and sometimes tissue just below the skin.

Question 9

what exactly are topical steroid gels used for?

Accepted Answer

Better absorption &: I am assuming you are talking about sex steroids like Estradiol or testosterone.  Fewer side effects are likely, because they do not go through the liver first.

If you are talking about corticosteroids, the medicine is on the skin at a higher concetration, sparing the body of steroid aside effects. They are used for inflammatory skin issues. Most forms are creams and ointments, not gels.

Question 10

do topical steroid creams have any internal effects?

Accepted Answer

They can: A little of the cortisone  can be absorbed into   the body. Part of this depends on how  muchis placed on your  body. You can discuss  this  with your physician

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Topical steroid medication

A member asked:

Is there anything i can do to help treat eczema, besides applying topical steroids medications?

A member asked:

After using topical steroids to control a chronic condition for 1-2 weeks, how long do you give your body or spot on the body a break? is it one, two, or three weeks off?

A member asked:

Are topical steroids safe for women?

A member asked:

Where can i find topical steroids otc?

A member asked:

When can topical steroids re sume after taking a break from 2 weeks usage?

A member asked:

Hi docs, would topical steroid creams have any internal affects?

A member asked:

Is it safe to mix topical steroids?

A member asked:

What are the side effects to topical steroids?

A member asked:

What exactly are topical steroid gels used for?

A member asked:

Do topical steroid creams have any internal effects?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?