Topical steroids
Background
- The USA system utilizes 7 classes, which are classified by their ability to constrict capillaries
- Class I is the strongest and Class VII is the weakest[1]
Classification
Group I
Very potent: up to 600 times stronger than hydrocortisone
- Clobetasol propionate 0.05% (Dermovate)
- Betamethasone dipropionate 0.25% (Diprolene)
- Halobetasol propionate 0.05% (Ultravate, Halox)
- Diflorasone diacetate 0.05% (Psorcon)
Group II
- Fluocinonide 0.05% (Lidex)
- Halcinonide 0.05% (Halog)
- Amcinonide 0.05% (Cyclocort)
- Desoximetasone 0.25% (Topicort)
Group III
- Triamcinolone acetonide 0.5% (Kenalog, Aristocort cream)
- Mometasone furoate 0.1% (Elocon ointment)
- Fluticasone propionate 0.005% (Cutivate)
- Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% (Diprosone)
- Halometasone 0.05%
Group IV
- Fluocinolone acetonide 0.01-0.2% (Synalar, Synemol, Fluonid)
- Hydrocortisone valerate 0.2% (Westcort)
- Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% (Locoid)
- Flurandrenolide 0.05% (Cordran)
- Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% (Kenalog, Aristocort A ointment)
- Mometasone furoate 0.1% (Elocon cream, lotion)
Group V
- Fluticasone propionate 0.05% (Cutivate cream)
- Desonide 0.05% (Tridesilon, DesOwen ointment)
- Fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% (Synalar, Synemol cream)
- Hydrocortisone valerate 0.2% (Westcort cream)
Group VI
- Alclometasone dipropionate 0.05% (Aclovate cream, ointment)
- Triamcinolone acetonide 0.025% (Aristocort A cream, Kenalog lotion)
- Fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% (Capex shampoo, Dermasmooth)
- Desonide 0.05% (DesOwen cream, lotion)
Group VII
The weakest class of topical steroids. Has poor lipid permeability, and can not penetrate mucous membranes well.
- Hydrocortisone 2.5% (Hytone cream, lotion, ointment)
- Hydrocortisone 1% (Many over-the-counter brands)
See Also
- ↑ Habif, Thomas P. (1990). Clinical dermatology: a color guide to diagnosis and therapy (2nd ed.). St. Louis: Mosby. p. Inside front cover. ISBN 0-8016-2465-7.