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The Role Of Topical Corticosteroids

Atopic eczema is defined as a reactive immune response following the skin being exposed to an irritant or allergen1. As a result, vasodilation occurs increasing blood flow to the affected areas1. The effects of topical corticosteroids include anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and vasoconstrictive responses, thereby working to block the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory actions2.

"Topical Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of the management of active atopic eczema"

The Australasian College of Dermatologists3

Choosing The Appropriate Topical Corticosteroid

Your choice of appropriate Topical Corticosteroid will affect the rate and extent of the skin healing4. Give your customer easier access to treatment with a selection of Ego topical corticosteroids available as S2, S3 and S4, helping provide more choices for your customers differing needs.

Mild Topical Corticosteroid5,6

Hydrocortisone 0,5% and 1% recommended for delicate and sensitive areas including face, axilae and groin.

Moderate Topical Corticosteroid5,7

Clobetasone butyrate 0.05% recommended for thicker skin including limbs and trunk, and when mild strength topical corticosteroids are non responsive.

Potent Topical Corticosteroid5,8

Mometasone Furoate 0.1% recommended for thick-skinned areas, flexures and scalp including fingers, feet, lichenified wrists and the hairline, or when moderate strength topical corticosteroids are non responsive.

How Much Topical Corticosteroid?

The finger-tip unit (FTU) can be a useful way to reassure and give your patients confidence in using topical corticosteroids.

Remember, for topical corticosteroids to be effective, you need to apply to all areas of inflammation, no just the worst and appl enough to cover the affected area9. Use topical corticosteroids until the skin is completely clear (usually 7-14 days) and resume with recurrent flares, in combination with emollients9.

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How Much Topical Corticosteroid?

The finger-tip unit (FTU) can be a useful way to reassure and give your patients confidence in using topical corticosteroids.

Remember, for topical corticosteroids to be effective, you need to apply to all areas of inflammation, no just the worst and appl enough to cover the affected area9. Use topical corticosteroids until the skin is completely clear (usually 7-14 days) and resume with recurrent flares, in combination with emollients9.

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Our Topical Corticosteroid Range

  • DermAid 1% Cream

    DermAid 1% Cream

    Designed for fast relief. A mild, low potent topical corticosteroid for the temporary relief of minor skin irritations, itching and rashes.
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  • Kloxema Cream

    Kloxema Cream

    A moderate topical corticosteroid with moisturising properties to treat milder forms of eczema, dermatitis and other steroid responsive skin conditions, whilst helping support the skin barrier.
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  • Zatamil 0.1% Hydrogel

    Zatamil 0.1% Hydrogel

    Designed for fast drug delivery. A potent gel topical corticosteroid for the relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of psoriasis and dermatitis.
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PBS Information: Zatamil Lotion and Zatamil Ointment 15g: Restricted benefits. Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Zatamil Lotion and Zatamil Ointment 15g: Authority required (Streamlined). Refer to PBS Schedule for full authority information. Zatamil Hydrogel and Zatamil Ointment 45g: These are not listed on the PBS.

Before prescribing or recommending DermAid, Kloxema or Zatamil please review the full Product Information. Full Product Information is available on request from Ego Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd and can be accessed at ebs.tga.gov.au. 

Zatamil (mometasone furoate) ointment: Short term (up to four continuous weeks) relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to mometasone furoate or to other corticosteroids. Viral infections of the skin, tuberculosis, acne rosacea, perioral dermatitis, fungal skin infections and ulcerative conditions. Precautions: Irritation or sensitisation; infection; infants and children; prolonged or extensive use; occlusion; eye contact; pregnancy (Category B3); lactation. Adverse Reactions: Itching; burning; stinging; skin atrophy; acneiform reactions. Dosage and Administration: Apply a thin film of zatamil ointment to the affected skin area once daily. Kloxema (clobetasone butyrate): Short term (up to 7 days) treatment of milder forms of eczema, dermatitis and other steroid responsive skin conditions. Dosage: For 12 years and over. Apply a thin film and gently rub in, using only enough to cover the affected area twice daily for up to 7 days. Contraindications: Kloxema cream should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to clobetasone butyrate or to any of the excipients in the product. Rosacea, acne, pruritis without rash, perioral dermatitis; Untreated bacterial infections such as cellulitis, folliculitis, furunculosis or impetigo; Fungal infections such as those associated with tinea (eg athlete’s foot, jock itch); Viral infections including cold sores (herpes simplex), chicken pox or shingles (Varicella zoster) or vaccinia; Parasitic infestations such as scabies. Do not use on broken or infected skin or on inflamed skin near chronic ulcers. DermAid (hydrocortisone): For the temporary relief of symptoms associated with acute and chronic corticosteroid responsive conditions including: minor skin irritations, itching and rashes due to eczema, dermatitis, contact dermatitis (such as rashes due to cosmetics and jewellery), psoriasis, anogenital pruritus and sunburn. DermAid 1% cream: Apply a thin layer to affected skin 1–2 times daily as required. Contraindications: vaccinia, chicken pox, herpes and other viral infections, bacterial infections, tuberculosis of the skin and syphilitic skin disorders. Hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone, other corticosteroids or any other ingredient in the product. Do not use in the eye. QV Dermcare Eczema Daily Wash & Daily Cream: Help relieve the symptoms of mild to moderate eczema.

References

1. Understanding Inflammation [Internet] 2017 [cited 2021 June 30] Available from http://www.dermamedics.com/inflammation_id55.html.

2. Rhen T & Cidlowski A. Anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids – new mechanisms for old drugs. N Engl J Med 353:1711-23. 2005.

3. Philpott L (2021) Addressing corticosteroid phobia. Available from: https://ajp.com.au/features/addressingcorticosteroid-phobia/.

4. Carlos G, Uribe P, Férnandez-Peñas P. Rational use of topical corticosteroids. Aust Prescr 2013;36:5-6. 

5. Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2021 June 15]. Available from: https://tgldcdp.tg.org.au/viewTopic?topicfile=topical-corticosteroidpreparations#toc_ d1e467.

6. DermAid Cream Approved Product Information, January 2019.

7. Kloxema Cream Approved Product Information, 10 July 2019.

8. Zatamil Approved Product Information, 14 August 2020.

9. TBC.