Steroid ladder

• • Mildly potent - hydrocortisone 0.1-2.5%
  • Moderately potent - Betamethasone valerate 0.025% (betnovate-RD), clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (eumovate)
  • Potent - Betamethasone valerate 0.1% (betnovate), betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% (diprosone)
  • Very potent - clobetasol propionate 0.05% (dermovate)
• Mostly commonly used:

  • Mild: Hydrocortisone 0.5%, 1% and 2.5%
  • Moderate: Eumovate (clobetasone butyrate 0.05%)
  • Potent: Betnovate (betamethasone 0.1%)
  • Very potent: Dermovate (clobetasol propionate 0.05%)
• Hydrocortisone 1% is available over the counter for the treatment of mild to moderate eczema not involving the face or genitals
• Very potent topical steroids should only be prescribed by specialists