This page has been created to help you manage your skin conditions, by using your creams and topica steroids correctly. To find condition-specific information, please see the tiles at the bottom of the page.

Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it. They cover the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture.

Emollients are often used to help manage dry, itchy or scaly skin conditions. They should be smoothed (not rubbed) gently into the skin.

They can be used to replace lost moisture whenever your skin feels dry or tight. They're very safe and you cannot overuse them.

You may need to experiment with different emollients or try a combination. For example, you may decide to use a cream during the day and an ointment at night.

Topical corticosteroids are a type of steroid medicine applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and irritation.

Topical corticosteroids are available in several different forms and potencies. 

Topical steroids can help treat a range of conditions, such as eczema, contact dermatitis and psoriasis. They should only be applied to affected areas of skin by gently smoothing a thin layer. Please remember to wash your hands before and after unless you are treating an area on your hands.

Mild potency: Hydrocortisone 1%

Moderate potency: Betnovate 0.025%(betamethasone), Eumovate (clobetasone)

Strong potency: Betnovate 0.1 % (betamethasone) , Elocon (mometasone), 

Very Strong potency: Dermovate (clobetasol)

Sometimes, the amount of medicine you're advised to use will be given in fingertip units (FTUs).

A FTU is the amount needed to squeeze a line from the tip of an adult finger to the first crease of the finger- this should be enough to treat an area of skin double the size of the flat of your hand with your fingers together.

The recommended dosage will depend on what part of the body is being treated. This is because the skin is thinner in certain parts of the body and more sensitive to the effects of corticosteroids.