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Age body site size of affected area Bandaging sex pregnancy lactation are factors which influenced on the potency of Corticosteroid that will be given Infants are more susceptible to side effects However concern about the safety of topical corticosteroids in children should not result in the child being undertreated Babies and children with mild to moderate eczema are usually prescribed mild topical steroids
A mild corticosteroid such as hydrocortisone 0 5 or 1 is useful for treating nappy rash and hydrocortisone1 for atopic eczema in childhood If the condition is severe eczema and there is no response to a mild steroid moderate to potent topical corticosteroids may be given for short periods and under medical supervision In case if the eczema flares up moderately potent corticosteroid may be replaced by a stronger potency For feet and hands which have thick skin potent preparations can be used but the face and genital areas which have thinner skin mild and moderately potent preparations are preferred In case of applying corticosteroid to the body folds the occlusive effect increases its potency therefore a milder preparation is better to used When a large area of skin is affected it is better to use a weaker strength Bandaging increases the potency therefore a weaker corticosteroid may be chosen TC have to be used with caution in children and elderly due to larger surface area to body weight ratio and poor skin barrier function in the former and skin fragility in the latter respectively
