Are steroid creams safe?

Yes, when used as directed. Topical steroids are a well-established, effective treatment. The key is using the right strength for the area and following advice on how much and how long. Problems are mainly linked to using strong steroids for too long or on delicate areas without guidance.

How much steroid cream should I use?

A common guide is the "fingertip unit" — the amount squeezed onto the end of an adult finger — used to cover a defined area of skin. Your GP, nurse or pharmacist can show you, and the leaflet explains it. Use a thin layer on the affected skin only.

Can I use steroid cream on my face?

Facial skin is delicate, so usually only milder steroids are used there, and for short periods, on advice. Check with a GP or pharmacist before using steroid creams on the face, in skin folds, or on young children.

Should I keep moisturising while using steroid cream?

Yes. For conditions like eczema, regular moisturisers (emollients) remain the foundation of care and are used alongside steroid creams. Many people apply them at different times of day — a pharmacist can advise on the order and timing.

Steroid creams (topical corticosteroids)

Quick answer

What is steroid creams (topical corticosteroids) used for?

Steroid creams (topical corticosteroids) are used to calm inflamed, itchy or red skin in conditions like eczema and psoriasis. They come in different strengths and work well when used correctly for flare-ups. Used as directed by a GP or pharmacist, they are a safe and effective treatment.

What are steroid creams?

Steroid creams — properly called topical corticosteroids — are medicines applied to the skin to reduce inflammation. They calm the redness, swelling and itching that come with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and contact dermatitis. They are different from the steroids sometimes misused for building muscle.

What they are used for

They are mainly used to settle flare-ups of inflammatory skin conditions. They come as creams, ointments and lotions, in a range of strengths — from mild ones suitable for delicate areas to stronger ones for tougher skin or more stubborn patches. A GP or pharmacist matches the strength to the area and the problem.

Using them safely

Topical steroids are safe and effective when used as directed. To use them well:

apply a thin layer to the affected skin only, as directed
use the strength recommended for that part of the body
use them for the length of time advised — usually short courses for flare-ups
be especially careful on the face, in skin folds, and on babies and young children

The “fingertip unit” is a helpful way to judge how much to use, and the patient leaflet explains it.

Alongside moisturisers

For conditions like eczema, steroid creams work best alongside regular moisturisers (emollients), which protect the skin barrier and are used even when the skin is clear. Keep moisturising during and between flare-ups.

When to see a GP

See a GP if your skin is not improving with treatment, if it shows signs of infection (weeping, crusting, spreading redness, or feeling unwell), or before using stronger steroids for longer than recommended. They can review your treatment and check nothing else is going on.

Common questions

Are steroid creams safe?: Yes, when used as directed. Topical steroids are a well-established, effective treatment. The key is using the right strength for the area and following advice on how much and how long. Problems are mainly linked to using strong steroids for too long or on delicate areas without guidance.
How much steroid cream should I use?: A common guide is the "fingertip unit" — the amount squeezed onto the end of an adult finger — used to cover a defined area of skin. Your GP, nurse or pharmacist can show you, and the leaflet explains it. Use a thin layer on the affected skin only.
Can I use steroid cream on my face?: Facial skin is delicate, so usually only milder steroids are used there, and for short periods, on advice. Check with a GP or pharmacist before using steroid creams on the face, in skin folds, or on young children.
Should I keep moisturising while using steroid cream?: Yes. For conditions like eczema, regular moisturisers (emollients) remain the foundation of care and are used alongside steroid creams. Many people apply them at different times of day — a pharmacist can advise on the order and timing.

Sources

NHS — Topical corticosteroids