Topical Corticosteroid Potency Chart For Healthcare Professionals

This is not an exhaustive list of all topical corticosteroids available. The classifications are based on clinical studies and vasomotor assays. The potencies vary based on the corticosteroid, the concentration, and the vehicle. In general, corticosteroids in lotions, creams, gels, and ointments are increasingly more potent because of increased absorption from the vehicles.

Absorption may be increased by prolonged therapy, large sections of skin damage, and the use of occlusive dressings that may cause an increase in the incidence of side effects.

Dermatop® and Psorcon® E are trademarks of Dermik Laboratories, a division of Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. The other trademarks in the chart are the property of the various companies to whom they are registered.

Adapted from Murphy, May 2004.[2]