Prevention
Judicious use of topical steroid, with strict attention to strength, area of application, duration and vehicle (e.g., ointments are more potent than creams. The occlusive nature of ointment enhances steroid penetration). In general, use a potent preparation short term and weaker preparation for maintenance between flare-ups. While there is no proven best benefit-to-risk ratio, if prolonged use of a topical steroid on a skin surface is required, a pulse therapy should be undertaken.
Pulse therapy refers to the application of a corticosteroid for 2 or 3 consecutive days each week or two. This is useful for maintaining control of chronic diseases. Generally a milder topical steroid or non-steroid treatment is used on the in-between days.
Strong steroids should be avoided on sensitive sites such as the face, groin and armpits. Even the application of weaker or safer steroids should be limited to less than two weeks on those sites.
Read more about this topic: Steroid Atrophy
Famous quotes containing the word prevention:
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—Dorothy Parker (1893–1967)