Topical Steroids

Corticosteroid medicines that are applied over the face, eyelids, perianal skin, or body folds to treat eczema, rash, and dermatitis are called topical steroids. These topical steroids have anti-inflammatory properties. Topical steroids are used to treat conditions like atopic dermatitis, xerotic eczema, scabies, dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen planus, etc.

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What can be done for hyperpigmentation due to steroid ointment?

Query: Hi doctor, I have eczema and over the years doctors have provided me a steroid ointment which I have been using. The side effects were darkening of the skin. Wondering if there is a solution since now my skin has become really dark on my face and neck. Also, I have hyper-pigmentation all over my ch...  Read Full »


Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have noted your concern and I have viewed the images (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You seem to have acne along with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from previously healed acne. Acne is a well-known side effect of steroid creams. So perha...  Read Full »

I am a 19-year-old undergoing phototherapy for vitiligo for the past six months and the white spots on my palms, fingers, and lips are getting darker. Why?

Query: Hello doctor,I am 19 years old, have vitiligo and I am taking phototherapy along with medicines for about six months now. The white spots on the palms and fingers in hands and in lips have not spread but some spots have become darker. How long will it take for it to cure? Should I consider other kin...  Read Full »


Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Vitiligo on palms and soles are usually quite resistant to therapy and takes a very long time depending upon the extent of involvement. Also, there are chances that it may not completely resolve too in such locations. Phototherapy is a safe and effective treatment ap...  Read Full »

My son's penis tip is very narrow. How to correct that?

Query: Hi doctor, My 2 year old son's penis tip has a very narrow opening. The foreskin at the bottom part is quite flexible, but it seems to be attached to the inner meatus at the tip. When I try to pull back the foreskin for cleaning gently, the inner meatus is hardly visible. Earlier, he used to have ba...  Read Full »


Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. This phenomenon is known as phimosis. Most of the time, steroid ointment will help. In your case, it has helped. So, do not worry even if the opening is small as long as there is no ballooning of the prepuce. You can get a circumcision if you want to get rid of this prob...  Read Full »

What could be the best medicine for allergic rhinitis?

Query: Hi, I am currently using Duonase nasal spray and Odimont LC for the allergic rhinitis. I am getting mild fever after taking Duonase. Is it safe to take Duonase? Can I take Paracetamol for fever while using Duonase? Is there any alternative for Duonase without steroids?   Read Full »


Dr. Alok Rathi

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Duonase (combination of Azelastine hydrochloride and Fluticasone propionate) is a topical corticosteroid and is safe. Yes, you can take Paracetamol for fever. For allergic rhinitis, topical steroids are to be taken. Alternative treatment is to avoid the pos...  Read Full »

My daughter has a skin problem in the torso areas that spreads to other body parts without any itching. What should I do?

Query: Hi doctor, My daughter has a skin problem in the torso area that is spreading to her arms, legs, chin, and cheeks but it is not causing any itching. She is allergic to milk but the allergist said to give her things baked in milk like bread or mac and cheese, etc. After using the steroid cream for se...  Read Full »


Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and can understand your concern. I reviewed the attached images (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), and I need to ask you a few questions. 1) What is the age of the child? 2) Is there any history of dandruff, dry skin, allergi...  Read Full »

I have itchy blisters over the sides of fingers and palms. Suggest me a cure.

Query: Hi doctor, I am an 18 year old female, and I do not know what is happening with my body. I have itchy blisters on my five fingers, and my entire body feels very itchy.  Read Full »


Dr. Kalpana Pathak

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Though the description of your query is a bit brief and vague, I could think of two possibilities in your case. Pompholyx - where one gets very tiny itchy blisters over the sides of fingers and palms. It requires taking oral antiallergic drugs like Cetirizine along with ...  Read Full »

How to manage my tight penis foreskin that causes pain?

Query: Hello doctor,I am 20 years old and my problem is that I have a tight opening of the penis. This is very painful when I jerk it off.  Read Full »


Dr. Dhamankar Amit Shivraj

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. It is called as phimosis. Try to use steroid cream for 10 days and massage the skin. Try to retract the skin and clean the secretion beneath the prepuce. Keep the area clean because steroid cream may lead to infection if not taken care appropriately.  Read Full »

Kindly suggest a treatment plan for keratitis.

Query: Hi doctor, I am suffering from stromal viral keratitis. My doctor mentioned in my report as stromal keratitis (herpes?). Is that herpes? Also I was prescribed Pred forte, Add Tears and Acivir ointment. Are these right medicines? This is the second episode after five years. Please help.  Read Full »


Dr. Geetha Priyadarsini Kamminana

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Let me share some facts about viral infection of eye. Primary viral infection of the eye is usually followed by recurrent infection that may involve any or all layers of cornea. Cornea has three layers: Epithelium, stroma and endothelium. It is when the s...  Read Full »

Is it safe to use Corticosteroid cream on cheeks for eczema?

Query: Hi doctor, I have eczema. There is redness in my cheeks. I have used Corticosteroid cream for six days. Are there any side effects in using it?  Read Full »


Dr. Meha Malhotra

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Corticosteroids should never be applied without a doctor's advise. Also, there are certain steroids which should never be applied on the face. If you could send me photos and details, I will be able to give you proper suggestions. Till then, do not use anything on your...  Read Full »

Why am I having red spots with dry, irritated skin on the arms, shoulders, and legs?

Query: Hi doctor, I have red spots of dry and irritated skin on the arms, shoulders, and leg, just below the waistline. Minor itchiness comes and goes. I am using Neosporin for about a week, but they are still there. I am attaching a picture of these red spots.  Read Full »


Dr. Thakare Sampada Avinash

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I need more information. From when do you have this problem? How many lesions do you have in total? How many episodes per year? Do you have flaky scalp? Any history of fever? A month back, did you have similar lesions? The images (attachment removed to protect...  Read Full »

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