The prescribing physician should know about the classification of Topical steroids.
| GRADE | CLASS | EXAMPLES |
| 1 | Very high potency | Clobetasol propionate, Halobetasol prop |
| 2 | High potency | Betamethasone dipropionate, Diflorasone |
| 3 | Medium potency ointment | Mometasone / Fluticasone ointments |
| 4 | Medium potency creams | Mometasone / Fluticasone creams |
| 5 | Lower medium | Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% |
| 6 | Low potency | Desonide cream 0.05%, Clobetasone |
| 7 | Lowest potency | Hydrocortisone acetate 1% |
- Note that lower the Grade means higher the potency
In most of the skin conditions, especially in neonates and smaller children use the mildest cream (lowest potency) for the shortest time (maximum 10-14days). One may gradually switch over to the next more potent as per response.
Pediatric Practice... Pearls for your Pediatric Office Practice 