Free Guide

Topical Corticosteroid Classification — Potency Classes I to VII

Topical corticosteroids are classified by potency, not by the molecule alone. The most widely used system ranks them from Class I (super-potent) to Class VII (least potent), based on vasoconstrictor assay results. Picking the right class for the right body site is one of the most-tested skills in dermatology — this guide condenses it onto one page.

Class I

Super-potent

Examples: Clobetasol propionate 0.05%, Halobetasol propionate 0.05%

Short courses only; avoid face, flexures and children. Highest atrophy and systemic absorption risk.

Class II–III

Potent

Examples: Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%, Mometasone furoate 0.1% (ointment), Fluocinonide 0.05%

For thick plaques on trunk and limbs; generally limit to 2–4 weeks.

Class IV–V

Mid-potency

Examples: Mometasone furoate 0.1% (cream), Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%, Fluticasone propionate 0.05%

Common maintenance choice; suitable for larger body areas with monitoring.

Class VI

Mild

Examples: Desonide 0.05%, Alclometasone dipropionate 0.05%

Preferred for children, thin skin and intertriginous areas.

Class VII

Least potent

Examples: Hydrocortisone 0.5–1%

Safest for face and eyelids; still not for prolonged unsupervised use.

Clinical Pearls

Potency depends on the molecule, concentration AND vehicle — ointments are more potent than creams of the same drug.
Occlusion can increase absorption up to 10-fold — a mid-potency steroid under occlusion can behave like a potent one.
Skin site matters: the scrotum absorbs ~40x more than the forearm; the face and flexures absorb far more than the trunk.
Fingertip unit (FTU): 1 FTU ≈ 0.5 g covers two adult hand areas — the standard dosing measure.
Key adverse effects: skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasia, tachyphylaxis, and HPA-axis suppression with extensive potent use.

Master 100+ dermatology medicines the same way

This is the exact visual, layer-by-layer style used across the entire Dermatology Medicine Handbook — drug class, mechanism, clinical role and safety on one consistent page.

Get the Handbook — Softcopy ₹299 Printed + Softcopy ₹899

Educational reference only — not a prescribing guide. Support: letsdfy@gmail.com · WhatsApp 9910124156