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Corticosteroids - topical (skin), nose, and eyes - Management
Factors that affect the potency of topical corticosteroids
- The potency of a topical corticosteroid can be affected by:
- The degree to which it inhibits inflammation.
- The formulation — ointments are more potent than creams.
- The presence of other ingredients (for example urea or salicylic acid), which may increase the potency of the topical corticosteroid.
- The salt of the steroid (for example hydrocortisone is a mild steroid, but hydrocortisone butyrate is a potent steroid).
- Using it under occlusion, which increases the risk of systemic absorption and adverse effects.
- Fluorination — fluorinated corticosteroids (such as Dermovate®, Haelan®, Metosyn®, and Cutivate®) have been modified to increase their potency; this increases the risk of adverse effects.
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