While emollients help to keep skin moisturised, topical (applied to the skin) corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation.

The type of corticosteroid used will depend on the severity of eczema:

• For mild cases, a hydrocortisone cream will be sufficient
• For moderate cases, clobetasone will help manage the flare up
• For severe cases, betamethasone valerate, hydrocortisone butyrate or mometasone furoate are available on prescription

• Unlike emollient, topical corticosteroids are to be applied sparingly and only to the affected skin as it could cause it to thin
• Start by applying once a day, but if there’s no improvement, increase to twice a day
• Use the ‘fingertip unit’ rule on how much cream to apply to different areas of the body