Can You Use Topical Steroids Cream on Your Face?

Topical steroids are the oldest remedies for dermatological diseases. In recent times, the availability of topical corticosteroids has increased in the local pharmacies and cosmetic shops. Owing to their over-the-counter availability, many people have knowingly or unknowingly been misusing topical steroids. Although they are the most efficient anti-itching and anti-inflammatory cream, it is advisable to apply them according to the guidelines of a medical practitioner.

Is it safe to use topical steroids cream on your face?

The face is not only a unique area but also a body area with sensitive skin. People aspire to maintain appealing looks through taking care of their faces. Statistics indicate that for every 200 people who applied steroids, 166 were women and 34 were men. Most of these individuals misused the application of steroids. In the US, there are varieties of topical steroids cream grouped according to their potency and formulation. The highly potent steroids are in group one, whereas group seven contains the least potent steroids.

The face has a thin skin layer which increases the rate at which it absorbs substances. Dermatologists recommend the use of low potent steroids on the face because of its sensitive nature. For effective treatment of a steroid-effective condition, a physician should understand at least two agents in each type of potency.

Factors to consider during the prescription of topical steroids

1. Diagnosis of the patient
2. The potency of the steroid
3. Delivery vehicle
4. How frequent you will administer the steroid
5. The length of treatment
6. The possible side effects

The anti-inflammatory properties of steroids determine their effectiveness and associated side-effects. Researchers emphasize the importance of accurately diagnosing a condition before choosing a steroid to use. The same findings also established that although steroids can treat many skin conditions, they have proven to be effective in a few cases. The use of the steroids is more successful if the physician considers the prescription factors. If you wish to equip yourself with more knowledge on types of steroids and their formulation, you can check teragon labs to get help.

The effects of steroid carriers on formulation and application

The difference in potency of steroids is a result of their formulation vehicle. Different areas of the body’s skin require specific steroid carriers depending on the thickness of the skin. For instance, creams containing water suspended in oil. The skin quickly absorbs them, making them the first choice of face treatment steroids. Creams best treat severe exudative inflammation because of their fast absorption rate. When handling face related problems, dermatologists should settle with cream topical steroids.

Applying topical steroids on your face

If you follow the instructions of a dermatologist, your face’s skin will tolerate the side effects of the steroid cream. While responding to a patient’s question, Mayo Clinic insisted that most of the individuals who experience the side effects of steroids do not use them according to the recommendations of dermatologists. It is advisable to apply a thin and even layer of cream on the skin to minimize the levels of steroids the skin absorbs.

Physicians recommend that you should not apply topical steroids on your skin more than twice a day. Also, patients should stick to low potency steroids when treating the face. In some cases where given steroids are not achieving the expected results, a skin biopsy may be necessary. A dermatologist will perform the procedure before recommending the relevant steroid or different anti-inflammatory medication.

The side effects of topical steroids

The high absorption rate of steroids by the skin makes it prone to side effects. These effects are visible in the regions where the patient applied the steroids but can extend to other parts of the face. Some of the most common side effects, according to patient reports, include:

1. Some parts of the skin becoming thinner, especially after overuse of steroids.
2. Change in the skin’s natural pigment leaving dark skin surface brighter, where the opposite also applies.
3. Blood vessels become visible on the skin surface of the face.
4. Some patients develop stretch marks on the face because of wearing out of the skin.
5. High risks of developing skin-related infections.
6. The skin takes longer time to heal wounds.
7. Patients using cream infections immediately experienced an irritating and burning sensation on the skin because of the preservatives that the creams contain.

If the cream enters into the eyes, they can result in severe eye problems such as cataracts. Ensure that your eyes are safe whenever you choose to apply steroid cream on the face.