In terms of treatment, what do corticosteroid creams primarily aim to treat?

Corticosteroid creams are primarily used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. The active components of these creams work by suppressing the immune response in the skin, which helps to decrease swelling, redness, and itching. It is common for patients to experience significant relief from itching, making corticosteroid creams effective in preventing further complications that can arise from excessive scratching, such as skin infections and worsening of the condition.

While infection prevention, removal of dead skin cells, and antimicrobial activity are important clinical considerations in dermatological care, they are not the primary therapeutic goals of corticosteroid creams. Their main function focuses on addressing the symptoms of inflammation and itchiness rather than actively targeting infections or facilitating exfoliation. Therefore, the primary aim of corticosteroid creams aligns with reducing itching and preventing complications that arise from inflammatory skin conditions.