Topical steroids. These are considered a first-line treatment for flares, according to Dr. Krakowski. “When used properly—meaning the right strength for the right body site for a limited period—they’re incredibly safe and effective,” he says. These typically come in cream or ointment form, says Brittany Chan, M.D., a pediatrician with Texas Children’s Pediatrics in Spring, TX. “These are used safely, even in infants, but using them for a very prolonged period can cause skin changes such as thinning or discoloration,” she says. “There are also some areas of the body where topical steroid use is not recommended, such as the eyelids.”
