Topical steroids, also called corticosteroid cream, are often prescribed to reduce the inflammation and discomfort of severe dermatitis such as eczema, allergic reactions or psoriasis. Side effects are possible with topical steroids, particularly with long-term use. Calendula is a flower similar to the marigold that has some antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties similar to corticosteroid cream. For most people, tinctures, sprays or creams that contain calendula are safer to use than topical steroids.
Topical Steroid Side Effects
Although prescription and non-prescription topical steroids can be quite effective at reducing inflammation and itching for many types of dermatitis, creams with steroids can have serious side effects. In local applications, steroids can cause thinning of the skin, permanent discoloration and swelling of surface blood vessels. If steroids are used frequently on large areas of the body, it's possible the medication can enter the bloodstream and lead to growth suppression or adrenal suppression, particularly in children.
Calendula Side Effects
Used externally, calendula has very few side effects. People with allergies to other members of the aster family such as daisies or ragweed can also have allergic reactions to calendula. The University of Maryland Medical Center (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/calendula--000228.htm) points out that calendula may interact with blood pressure medication and sedatives when used internally, so you should discuss using topical calendula with your health care provider if you're using those medications.
Complementary Therapy
Medline Plus (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-calendula.html) points out that clinical research on humans is insufficient to indicate calendula can effectively replace topical steroids, but using calendula in conjunction with topical steroids may provide additional relief. Topical steroids should be used only once or twice a day, so you can use calendula cream between steroid applications to reduce itching and discomfort. If you have dermatitis on your face, you shouldn't use topical steroids for more than a week, since the skin of the face is relatively thin and more likely to have negative effects from steroids. Calendula also may be safely used on parts of the body where topical steroids might be more easily absorbed into the bloodstream, such as between the legs, under the breasts, near the genitals and between the buttocks.
Children may be prescribed topical steroids for serious dermatitis. Children are most likely to have negative side effects from the drug because their skin is thinner and their dermatitis is often on the face and in places where the skin rubs together, such as under the arms or on the inside of the elbows. Serious rashes also occur in places that are covered for long periods, such as the diaper area. Since topical steroids should be used as infrequently as possible on children and babies, calendula might work as a safer option.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Calendula
- Medline Plus: Calendula
- Net Doctor: Topical Corticosteroids
- Net Doctor: How To Use Your Topical Corticosteroid Cream Or Ointment
- Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology: Topical Corticosteroid Use in Children: Adverse Effects and How to Minimize Them
