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Seborrhoeic dermatitis - Management
What should I be aware of before prescribing a topical corticosteroid?
- Hydrocortisone 1% cream is a mildly potent topical corticosteroid, and when used for a short period, it is rarely associated with adverse effects [BNF 55, 2008].
- More potent topical corticosteroids rarely cause serious adverse effects when used correctly:
- The risk of adverse effects increases with the potency of the topical corticosteroid, duration of use, and area of application.
- Topical corticosteroids are associated with localized effects, such as skin atrophy and exacerbation of skin infection (e.g. fungal infection), acneiform eruption, striae, hypertrichosis (excess localized hair growth), hypopigmentation, purpura, and perioral dermatitis.
- There is little risk of skin thinning with mild-to-moderately potent topical corticosteroids when used for up to 4 weeks [DTB, 2003].
- Betamethasone valerate 0.1%, hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1%, and mometasone furoate 0.1% are potent topical corticosteroids [BNF 55, 2008].
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