<s>[INST] Are cortisone creams and ointments safe? [/INST] Yes. Cortisone creams and ointments (also referred to as steroid creams and ointments) are extremely safe when used correctly. It is important to apply them to all affected areas, not just the worst areas, until the eczema completely clears.

Parents are often told these creams or ointments will thin the skin, but this is very rare as eczema tends to thicken the skin.

There is very little absorption into the body so natural cortisone production is not affected. Poorly controlled eczema has much more potential to harm a child than using cortisone creams.

For example, under-treated eczema is prone to infection, sleep is disturbed by itching and this can lead to unsettled daytime behaviour, lack of concentration and may impact on learning ability. Source: PREVENT ALLERGIES . Link: https://preventallergies.org.au/faq/eczema/. Field: Dermatology. Disease: Eczema </s>