Occlusive dressings and fluorinated steroids both increase the likelihood of developing atrophy.

While there is no proven best benefit-to-risk ratio,[11] if prolonged use of a topical steroid on a skin surface is required, a pulse therapy should be undertaken.

[12] For treating atopic dermatitis, newer (second generation) corticosteroids, such as fluticasone propionate and mometasone furoate, are more effective and safer than older ones.

They are also generally safe and do not cause skin thinning when used in intermittently to treat atopic dermatitis flare-ups.

Steroid-induced skin atrophy[14][15] is often permanent, though if caught soon enough and the topical corticosteroid discontinued in time, the degree of damage may be arrested or slightly improve.