A Fun Look at Rashes and Topical Steroids Artwork

Druggist For The People

Four score and seven minutes ago (about an hour and a half) your physician brought forth, upon her desk, a new prescription, conceived in best medical practice, and dedicated to the proposition that all generics are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civilian war, testing whether that medication, or any medication so conceived, and so dedicated, can help us long endure. And maybe we can feel good at the same time. For forty years as a pharmacist, I've been building bridges - from the doctor to those in need of important drug information - you. With respect for the listener, and from the perspective that it is better to apply a recommended course of therapy than it is to comply with an ordered course, the goal here is not to provide specific answers about your drug therapy, but rather to help you generate the questions that will that will empower you in this. Toward that end, there will be weekly podcasts, very often with guests who will be "the people".

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Druggist For The People

A Fun Look at Rashes and Topical Steroids

July 24, 2026 • Donald Schoeff

0:00 | 15:34

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Summary: Who hasn’t had a rash? This episode looks at the available steroid creams (Corticosteroids – not anabolic), broken down by their potency and possible indications for use. And as with every other medication on the market, there are potential side effects, which mandates the Risk-Benefit discussion. Knowing the trigger, which may include stress, for the rash and the proper use of a topical steroid treatment is the road to the best treatment. A reminder: just because it’s a topical treatment doesn’t mean it’s not a potent medication.

Topics:

· OTC Hydrocortisone Cream & Ointment 01:30

· Occlusives 02:30

· Mechanism of Action 03:20

- Reduce inflammation

- Suppress immune response

- Reduce cell turnover

- Constrict blood vessels

· 7 Classes of Topical Steroid Potency 06:00

· Where are You on the continuum? 07:00

· Indications 10:00

· Risk-Benefit (side effects) 13:00

Questions and comments to druggistforthepeople@gmail.com

Donald J. Schoeff, R.Ph.

Host