Recommendations

The Australasian College of Dermatologists

Recommendations from the Australasian College of Dermatologists on leg cellulitis, epidermal cysts, urticaria, distorted toenails & acne, advice on systemic non-sedating antihistamines and topical corticosteroids for skin conditions. The Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) is the sole medical college accredited by the Australian Medical Council for the training and continuing professional development of medical practitioners in the specialty of dermatology. As the national peak membership organisation, we represent over 550 dermatologist Fellows (FACD) and 100 trainees. We are the leading authority in Australia for dermatology, providing information, advocacy and advice to patients, communities, government and other stakeholders on skin health and dermatological practice.

8.
Review your diagnosis and/or treatment/adherence if patient has not responded to adequate prescribed topical steroids after two weeks.

Date reviewed: 26 April 2021

Inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, are commonly treated with topical corticosteroids. Follow up should occur with patients requiring continually applied prescribed topical steroids after two weeks. Clinicians need to confirm with the patient that the treatment has been applied at the intended quantity and frequency. In atypical cases or where there is no improvement in symptoms, an alternative diagnosis or therapy option should be considered.

Supporting resources

  • ACD Patient Fact Sheet: How to apply topical corticosteroids for the treatment of eczema
  • ACD Patient Q&A: Topical corticosteroids for the treatment of eczema.

Available at https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/about/position-statements/

Supporting evidence
  • Arkwright PD, Motala C, Subramanian H et al. 2013. Management of Difficult-to-Treat Atopic Dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2013 Mar;1(2):142-51. (Fee for access)
  • Hogue L, Cardwell LA, Roach C et al. 2019. Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis “Resistant” to Topical Treatment Responds Rapidly to Topical Desoximetasone Spray. J Cutan Med Surg. 2019 Mar/Apr;23(2): 157-163. (Fee for access)
  • Chong M and Fonacier L. 2016. Treatment of Eczema: Corticosteroids and Beyond. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2016 Dec;51(3):249-262 (Fee for access)
How this list was made How this list was made

College’s Expert Advisory Committee, comprising seven longstanding Fellows considered four potential recommendations, together with supporting evidence, and agreed to proceed with three of them. The Committee then refined and finalised the recommendations. These were reviewed by the NPS Representatives Committee and finalised in response to the feedback received.


Download ACD Recommendations