Clinical Pathway for Evaluation/Treatment of Children
with Suspected Atopic Dermatitis

Topical Steroids Treatment Recommendations by Flare Severity, Skin Location, Child's Age
Severity Location

Age < 3 yrs

Ointment covered by most insurance payers

Age ≥ 3 yrs

Ointment covered by most insurance payers
Mild Face/Genitals 2.5% Hydrocortisone base 2.5% Hydrocortisone base
Mild Body 2.5% Hydrocortisone base 0.025% Triamcinolone acetonide
Moderate Face/Genitals 0.025% Triamcinolone acetonide 0.025% Triamcinolone acetonide
Moderate Body 0.025% Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% Triamcinolone acetonide
Severe Face/Genitals 0.025% Triamcinolone acetonide 0.025% Triamcinolone acetonide
Severe Body 0.1% Triamcinolone acetonide 0.05% Fluocinonide
  • Always use Steroid Medication in ointment formulation, Recommended ointment covered by most insurance payers if child is already using applicable medication, refer to Steroid Potency Table
  • CHOP Formulary  
Posted: October 2018
Revised: January 2023
Authors: K. Woo Castelo CRNP; M. Jen MD; C. Tucker MD; K. Gupta MD; J. Hart MD; E. Delgado MD;
L. Wilson RN; A. Verma MD; M. Perman MD; J. Treat MD