Use of topical steroids in atopic eczema in children

• potency of topical corticosteroids should be tailored to the severity of the child's atopic eczema, which may vary according to body site
  • general principles for treatment with topical eczema are:
    • use mild potency for mild atopic eczema
    • use moderate potency for moderate atopic eczema
    • use potent for severe atopic eczema
    • use mild potency for the face and neck, except for short-term (3-5 days) use of moderate potency for severe flares
    • use moderate or potent preparations for short periods only (7-14 days) for flares in vulnerable sites such as axillae and groin
    • do not use very potent preparations in children without specialist dermatological advice
    • topical corticosteroids should only be used on areas with active atopic eczema (or eczema that has been active within the past 48 hours) (1).

Reference:

• (1) NICE (December 2007).Atopic eczema in children Management of atopic eczema in children from birth up to the age of 12 years.