TLDR Use mild topical steroids to avoid side effects, especially in children.
Topical steroids were categorized by potency from mild (grade IV) to very potent (grade I), with examples provided for each category. While mild and moderate steroids (grades III and IV) were rarely associated with side effects, potent and very potent steroids (grades I and II) could lead to both local and systemic side effects. Local side effects included spreading of infection, skin thinning, irreversible striae atrophica, increased hair growth, perioral dermatitis, acne, and mild depigmentation. These effects were particularly severe in children, and it was advised that potency I and II steroids be avoided or used with great care for short periods in pediatric treatment.
1 citations
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April 2009 in “Expert Review of Dermatology” The new gel combining calcipotriene and betamethasone is effective and safe for treating scalp psoriasis.
104 citations
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August 2008 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Treating psoriasis on the scalp, nails, and skin folds is challenging, often requiring systemic treatments for severe cases, with some success in topical and biologic treatments.
281 citations
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January 2013 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Manage vitiligo with treatments, address emotions, and use camouflage techniques.
4 citations
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September 2014 in “Elsevier eBooks” Use some skin medications with caution during pregnancy; avoid strong steroids, certain eczema treatments, and systemic retinoids, but many topical treatments and nasal sprays are safe.
34 citations
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June 2014 in “The BMJ” Pregnancy can change skin disease severity, with some conditions improving and others worsening, and treatment should balance benefits and fetal safety.
