Medication Information Leaflet
Topical steroids are applied to the skin to relieve skin conditions like swelling, redness, inflammation, itch and allergic reactions.
If you forget to use the medication, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next application, only apply the usual amount. Do not double the amount of cream/ointment or apply extra medication to make up for the missed application.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
Do not use these medications for long periods of time unless instructed by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions for how long to use it for.
Topical steroids are different in their effectiveness. Stronger steroids should be avoided on parts of the body where the skin is thinner or more delicate such as the face. If you need to use different types of topical steroids, follow the instructions on the medication labels. The instructions will give you information on which part of the body the topical steroids can be used on.
Side effects, such as thinning of the skin, reddish stretch marks and acne can occur if too much topical steroids are used incorrectly for a long period of time.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
Pack this medication into a black thrash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on January 2024
This article was last reviewed on Thursday, August 12, 2021