The use of topical corticosteroids in children with eczema does not have negative side effects

A new study, published in the journal Pediatric Dermatology, has confirmed that the long-term use of topical corticosteroids (TCS) for the treatment of eczema does not have any significant negative side effects. Many parents are loath to use TCS to treat their children’s eczema because of causing ‘thin skin’ and other fears. But researchers from The University of Sydney, Australia led by Gayle Fischer carried out a study on 92 children, 70 of which were part of the study/dermatitis group, and 22 of which were a control group.

The researchers persuaded the parents of the 70 in the study group to use enough TCS to completely control their children’s eczema to the point where the children were virtually free of eczema. The 22 in the control group did not use any TCS. The skin of the children was evaluated using a mini-microscope, comparing the treated and the untreated skin, and the researchers found no evidence of thin skinning in the children who had used the TCS.

The researchers confirm their study shows that normal routine use of TCS to the point where is clears up eczema does not cause skin thinning, and parents can use it with confidence.

Source: Journal of Pediatric Dermatology

April 2011

 

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