Steroid cream

Steroid Cream

Steroid cream (pronunciation: /ˈstɛrɔɪd kriːm/) is a type of topical medication that contains corticosteroids, a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates and synthetic analogues of these hormones.

Etymology

The term "steroid" is derived from "sterol", a compound present in many organisms, and "oid", meaning 'resembling' or 'like'. The term "cream" comes from the Old English "crēam", which is of unknown origin.

Usage

Steroid creams are primarily used to reduce inflammation and itching. They are often prescribed for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. The strength of the steroid cream is determined by the type of corticosteroid it contains.

Types

There are several types of steroid creams, categorized by the strength of the corticosteroid they contain. These include:

• Mild steroid creams, such as Hydrocortisone cream
• Moderate steroid creams, such as Clobetasone butyrate
• Potent steroid creams, such as Betamethasone valerate
• Very potent steroid creams, such as Clobetasol propionate

Side Effects

Like all medications, steroid creams can have side effects. These can include skin thinning, changes in skin color, and increased hair growth. Long-term use can lead to Cushing's syndrome, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol.

Related Terms

• Topical medication
• Corticosteroids
• Inflammation
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Clobetasone butyrate
• Betamethasone valerate
• Clobetasol propionate
• Cushing's syndrome

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Steroid cream
• Wikipedia's article - Steroid cream

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