steroid preparations, topical

Here is a brief listing of some of the topical steroid preparations you may run across, ranked by potency. Remember that with children, stronger is not always better. Too-potent steroids applied to the thin skin of young children can cause real problems. The skin may become permanently reddened, especially on the face, or it may atrophy (become thinned). Not only that, but real steroid side effects including slowed growth and catarracts can occur. Always apply these preparations as directed for only the length of time directed.

Low	0.5, 1.0, 2.5% hydrocortisone (Hytone)
Medium	0.05% desonide (Des-Owen; Tridesilon) 0.025% triamcinolone acetonide (Aristocort, Kenalog)
Medium High	0.1% triamcinolone acetonide (Aristocort, Kenalog)
High	0.05% flucinonide (Lidex) 0.1% betamethasone (Valisone) 0.1% halcinonide (Halog)
Super High	0.05% clobetasol proprionate (Temovate) 0.05% betamethasone diproprionate (Diprolene)

Note: Super High potency steroids are not recommended for use in children because of the risk of skin atrophy, permanent reddening, and systemic steroid side effects due to absorption.

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