MTW NHS Trust West Kent CCG

Drug Status Key

  • Preferred
  • Second Line
  • Third Line
  • Specialist Initiation
  • Hospital Only
  • Not Approved for Formulary

Corticosteroids (topical)

Drug Safety Update

September 2021: Topical corticosteroids: information on the risk of topical steroid withdrawal reactions

Suitable quantities of preparations to be prescribed for specific areas of the body

These amounts are usually suitable for an adult for a single daily application for two weeks.

  Topical corticosteroids
Creams & ointments
Face 15g - 30g
Both hands 15g - 30g
Scalp 15g - 30g
Both arms 30g - 60g
Both legs 100g
Trunk 100g
Groin & genitalia 15g - 30g

For the general actions, warnings and prescribing notes for steroids, see Corticosteroid responsive conditions