Topical corticosteroids are steroid creams that are treatments that reduce inflammation, and are used to control flares of atopic eczema.
They usually come as creams and ointments that are used once or twice a day. You should apply them to areas of eczema that are 'active' (that is, where the skin is itchy, dry, red or sore) or has been active in the last 48 hours, even if there are cracks, scratches or broken skin.
Sometimes your healthcare professional may advise you to use a corticosteroid on areas of clear skin for 2 days a week to prevent flares where eczema keeps occurring.
Your healthcare professional should explain that the benefits of using topical corticosteroids outweigh the potential harms when they're used correctly. They should also talk to you about the different potencies and explain how they're used; the potency will depend on how severe the atopic eczema is and where it's located on your child's body. Use of potent topical corticosteroids in children under 12 months should be supervised by a specialist.
Adapted from:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Allergies/Pages/Introduction.aspx
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