Topical steroid creams for eczema

Eczema is typically treated with a combination of emollients and steroid creams. Emollients are moisturizing lotions that help prevent skin from drying out. Steroid creams contain corticosteroids. Ointments, lotions and shampoos containing corticosteroids are also available. Corticosteroids help reduce the inflammation associated with eczema and are available in a range of different strengths. The strongest medication is not necessarily the best one for you, as stronger medications can produce more significant side effects. Your doctor will help you to find the most appropriate treatment for the severity of your eczema.

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How strong is my eczema cream?

The strength of steroid creams is indicated by potency level. High potency, means high strength. The table below summarises the strength of different corticosteroid creams for the treatment of eczema:

Corticosteroid	Brand Names	Potency Group
Alclometasone dipropionate 0.05%	Aclovate	Low potency
Amcinonide 0.1%	Cyclocort, Amcort	High potency
Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%	Diprosone, Diprolene AF	High potency
Betamethasone dipropionate (augmented) 0.05	Diprolene	Super-high potency
Betamethasone valerate 0.1%	Beta-Val, Valisone	Lower-mid potency
Clobetasol propionate 0.025%	Impoyz	High potency
Clobetasol propionate 0.05%	Temovate	Super-high potency
Clocortolone pivalate 0.1%	Cloderm	Medium-potency
Desonide 0.05%	DesOwen, Tridesilon	Low potency
Desoximetasone 0.05%	Topicort LP	High potency
Desoximetasone 0.25%	Topicort	High potency
Diflorasone diacetate 0.05%	ApexiCon, Florone	High potency
Fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%	Synalar	Low potency
Fluocinolone acetonide 0.025%	Synalar	Lower-mid potency
Fluocinonide 0.05%	Lidex	High potency
Fluocinonide 0.1%	Vanos	Super-high potency
Flurandrenolide 0.05%	Cordran	Lower-mid potency
Fluticasone propionate 0.05%	Cutivate	Lower-mid potency
Halcinonide 0.1%	Halog	High potency
Halobetasol propionate 0.05%	Ultravate	Super-high potency
Hydrocortisone 1%	Nutracort, Cortaid, Cortizone 10	Lowest potency
Hydrocortisone 2.5%	Hytone	Lowest potency
Hydrocortisone acetate 2.5%	MiCort-HC	Lowest potency
Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1%	Locoid, Locoid Lipocream	Lower-mid potency
Hydrocortisone probutate 0.1%	Pandel	Lower-mid potency
Hydrocortisone valerate 0.2%	Westcort	Lower-mid potency
Mometasone furoate 0.1%	Elocon	Medium-potency
Prednicarbate 0.1%	Dermatop	Lower-mid potency
Triamcinolone acetonide 0.025%	Kenalog, Aristocort	Low potency
Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%	Kenalog, Triderm	Medium-potency
Triamcinolone acetonide 0.5%	Aristocort HP, Kenalog, Triderm	High potency

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What if my eczema cream doesn’t work?

If you do not experience improvement after 3-4 weeks of treatment with your eczema cream, it may not be strong enough. You should then return to your doctor, as they may be able to prescribe a stronger alternative.