Topical Corticosteroid Potency Chart

I saw a patient 2 days ago, with poorly-controlled allergic eczema, who commented the "creams were all the same.  None of them work!"  Hence my reply above.  After we determined which topical steroids she had used, I noted that she used products in the classes of 5, 6, and 7 - the lower end of potency.  To get relief, I stressed: general skin care (no tanning!, less soaps, more unscented oil-based lotions), avoiding irritants (perfumes, no scratching), routine use of a stronger topical steroid (class 4) + antihistamines to reduce itching.  I think this will help her.