Over the counter steroids, especially over the counter corticosteroids, can be very useful in fighting various kinds of skin diseases and allergies. Topical steroids have been known to be a great cure to skin problems, from eczema, skin rashes and dermatitis to skin allergies. That is because topical steroids have great anti-inflammatory properties. It is important, however, that we be fully aware of the nature of these topical treatments.
If used indiscriminately or irresponsibly, they can potentially be harmful to us or to our family. Do not worry, though. You only have to know the basics to use them in successfully treating your skin problems.
Over the counter steroids in the market vary essentially according to their strength or potency. You have to match the strength of the topical steroid to the specific skin problem and/or its location.
If the skin problem is in the facial area, over the counter corticosteroids with the lowest potency are usually used. Aside from the face, sensitive areas include armpits, groins, buttocks, and breast folds. Thick-skinned areas, such as the feet or the palms, require topical creams with greater strength.
Steroids with moderate strength, meanwhile, can be used for skin diseases that require such potency. These include lichen sclerosis, scabies, and atopic dermatitis. Over the counter steroids with great potency are required in skin problems such as psoriasis, chapped feet, lichen simplex chronicus, severe poison ivy, discoid lupus, among many others.
Topical steroids, however, have their own complications. There is the danger of tachyphylaxis, or drug overuse. Tachyphylaxis can cause desensitization, or the decreased effect of the drug. To prevent this, topical steroids are often used with a routine. There are some who suggest using it for three days. After three days, you can stop using the topical steroid for, say, for consecutive days. Then you resume its use for the next three days.
Moreover, once these over the counter steroids have taken a positive effect on the affected areas, it is advised that you cease using them. This is because prolonged use of over the counter corticosteroids can possibly lead to further infection, such as bacteria infection, skin thinning, skin bruising, pigment changes (lightening or darkening of skin), stretch marks, telangectasia (or formation of blood vessels) or skin atrophy, among others. Also, corticosteroids are not advised to be used on open sores.
It is also advised to wrap or cover the treated area with plastic or similar protection, if the treated areas are found on the soles or the palms. Over the counter steroids will then have greater effect on the thick skin of the affected area.
You have to remember that these side effects only occur if you use topical steroids too much, too often, or too long. As mentioned, side effects also occur when topical steroids are used inappropriately, or applied in open sores. So do not abuse its use, and always be safe than sorry. Otherwise, it is a very safe and effective way of treating skin problems. When in doubt, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.