Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - topical steroids

Summary

NICE has made the following recommendations about the use of topical corticosteriods to treat atopic eczema within the NHS in England and Wales.  The recommendations do not apply to topical steriod preparations that also contain other medicines, such as antibiotics.

NICE has recommended that corticosteriods should not be applied to the affected skin of people with atopic eczema more than twice a day.

NICE has recommended that if there is more than one type of topical corticosteroid that woudl be appropriate for a person's eczema, then the cheapest one should be used.

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• TA81 Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - topical steroids: Quick reference guide
• TA81 Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - topical steroids: Guidance (Word version)
• TA81 Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - topical steroids: Guidance

For patients, carers and the public

• TA81 Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - topical steroids: Information for the public

Background information

• Review Decision - December 2007
• TA81 Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - topical steroids: Review of NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance No 81
• TA81 Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - topical steroids: Review of NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance No 81
• TA81 Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - topical steroids: Review of NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance No 81
• Review Proposal - October 2007
• Appendix A - Matrix of Consultees and Commentators
• TA81 Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - topical steroids: assessment report

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• None found