To prevent tachyphylaxis, a topical steroid is often prescribed to be used on a week on, week off routine. Some recommend using the topical steroid for 3 consecutive days on, followed by 4 consecutive days off.
Weak topical steroid are reserved for the eyelids, facial skin, body folds, axillae, groin, genitals, and perineal region.
Moderate topical steroids are used in wider unoccluded parts of the body like the trunk, arms, and legs.
Strong topical steroids are used in limited skin areas to minimize systemic side effects. They are indicated for thick-skinned areas like the palms, soles of feet, and certain dermatitis such as lichen planus and psoriasis of the limbs.
Long-term use of topical steroids can lead to secondary infection with fungus or bacteria (see tinea incognito), skin atrophy, telangiectasia (prominent blood vessels), skin bruising and fragility.
The use of the Finger tip unit may be helpful in guiding how much topical steroid is required to cover different areas of the body.
Adapted from the Wikipedia article Topical steroid, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
Topical steroid – How to use a topical steroid
To prevent tachyphylaxis, a topical steroid is often prescribed to be used on a week on, week off routine. Some recommend using the topical steroid for 3 consecutive days on, followed by 4 consecutive days off.
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