Corticosteroid Ointments
The topical corticosteroids [5] are effective therapies for AD, indicated when non – pharmacological interventions have failed. They are effective both for active inflammation and for the prophylaxis of the disease, as they can impede the mechanisms for processing the antigen, thereby inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines.
The pattern of dose, number of daily applications and even the amount of corticosteroid to be applied remain controversial. The application of corticosteroids twice a day is commonly recommended for the treatment of acute AD, according to the instructions for each medication. However, the evidence suggests that the application once a day of some compounds is as efficient as that of twice a day, which makes adherence easier.
The time of use recommended in crises is variable until there is a significant improvement in the lesion and a reduction in its thickness; this may take days to weeks. For maintenance therapy, topical corticosteroids can be applied once or twice a week to areas where lesions normally reappear.