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Corticosteroids - topical (skin), nose, and eyes - Management
How do I withdraw or stop topical corticosteroid treatment?
- Withdraw long-term topical corticosteroid treatment gradually. Abrupt withdrawal can cause a relapse or rebound of the condition being treated (for example psoriasis or eczema). Reddening of the skin (rebound erythroderma) has also been (rarely) reported.
- Once a clinical response has been seen, taper the dose of corticosteroid. The following options can be considered:
- Step down to a lower-potency corticosteroid.
- Use a lower-potency corticosteroid with other topical treatments (such as vitamin D preparation or coal tar in psoriasis).
- Use a lower-potency corticosteroid intermittently.
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