Hydration and occlusive dressings with topical steroids

Absorption of topical steroids is increased by four to five times when the hydration of the stratum corneum is increased (1). So application of topical steroids after a shower or a bath leads to improvement of the effectiveness of the drug (2).

Application of an occlusive dressing in the form of plastic wraps or hydrocolloid dressings results in increased absorption of the drug (up to 10 fold) (1)

• often used overnight, the maximum recommended period is 12 hours in a 24 hour period (1)
• beneficial in the treatment of localized or recalcitrant lesions (1)
• should not be used on the face or intertriginous areas (2)
• requires specialists advice and the patients should be monitored for the development of irritation, folliculitis, and infection at the treatment site (2,3)

Reference:

• 1. Tadicherla S et al. Topical corticosteroids in dermatology. J Drugs Dermatol. 2009;8(12):1093-105
• 2. Ference JD, Last AR. Choosing topical corticosteroids. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79(2):135-40
• 3. MeReC. Using topical corticosteroids in general practice. MeReC Bulletin 1999;10(6), 21-24