Side effects may occur from sudden discontinuation and prolonged, continuous use can lead to skin thinning.
Weaker steroids are used on the face, eyelids, diaper area, perianal skin, and intertrigo of the groin or body folds.
Strong steroids are used for psoriasis, lichen planus, discoid lupus, chapped feet, lichen simplex chronicus, severe poison ivy exposure, alopecia areata, nummular eczema, and severe atopic dermatitis in adults.
[1] For treating atopic dermatitis, newer (second generation) corticosteroids, such as fluticasone propionate and mometasone furoate, are more effective and safer than older ones.
[11] The use of the finger tip unit may be helpful in guiding how much topical steroid is required to cover different areas of the body.
Using topical steroids as intended during pregnancy is safe and does not cause miscarriage, birth defects or any pregnancy-related problems.