How am I supposed to use topical steroid cream?

[Asleeponasunbeam]

Each GP I see tells me something different so I have no idea who to believe. I've had terrible eczema on my fingers for 18 months. At first it was treated as impetigo with antibiotics, then a steroid cream that the GP said to once use every day 'for as long as needed'. It got much worse recently and a different GP was horrified at the steroid use, gave me a different one and warned me of dire consequences if I used it for more than 7 days.

After 7 days, it had improved a lot, but was still there. I have been using heavy applications of epaderm. It's now spread to my face (never has before) and the fingers are starting to flare up again. I don't know what to do!

Some GPs are terrified of topical steroid use and very cautious about it. If you spoke to a dermatologist they would be much more relaxed. When I took my son to see a consultant and had a chat with one of the nurses about applying creams I was shocked at how much you can actually use. The management of eczema has to be like an armoury - you should have several weapons at your disposal that you can use as needed. so emollient is your constant and differing strengths of steroids. use a stronger one for a week to get the flare up under control then swap to a weaker one for a while to keep it under control. Your GP should be able to prescribe you what you need and help you manage it adequately by it might be worthwhile getting some more information online before you go to the GP again.

Which steroid cream have you been given? You need at least betnovate for hands and the steroid cream should be used until the skin has healed completely, otherwise it will flare up again once you stop. If it's getting better I would continue past 7 days but it's not something you should use all the time. Emmolients need to be used at least 4 times a day, preferably more.

If it's on your face then do not use the steroid cream you have been given for your hands. The skin is much thinner on the face. It might be worth seeing your GP again about your face. Still moisturise there though. Are you sure it's not infected? No scabbing on your face?

Yeah you have got to be careful using steroid cream. There is some I use on my face which isn't so strong and then I have mid to strong for other parts of the body. If you use the wrong steroid for too long or in the wrong place it will thin the skin. Obviously if you don't use any it could get worse so youve got to get the balance right. If I can be any more helpful let me know, I use steroid creams regularly and I have also had impetigo years ago