UK new labelling for topical steroid

[Fred]

The British government will be bringing in new labelling for topical steroids.

Quote:

---

Topical steroids are highly effective for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, when prescribed and used appropriately. They are available in different potencies:

• mildly potent (for example, hydrocortisone)
  
• moderately potent (for example, clobetasone)
  
• potent (for example, betamethasone)
  
• very potent (for example, clobetasol)
  

The lowest potency topical steroid for effective treatment should be used and this may mean using different potency products for different body areas.

Over the coming year, topical steroids will be labelled with their potencies to aid correct selection and to simplify the advice to patients requiring multiple steroid products of differing potencies. These will be labelled ‘mild steroid’, ‘moderate steroid’, ‘strong steroid’, and ‘very strong steroid’.

Adverse reactions have been reported following long-term (generally 6 months or more) use of moderate or stronger potency topical steroids.

In psoriasis, use of large quantities of topical steroids is associated with a risk of more severe disease such as generalised pustular psoriasis.

Source: gov.uk