The use of corticosteroids in dermatological practice.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the various uses of corticosteroids in patients with skin diseases. DATA SOURCES: All relevant literature published since 1950 was reviewed and 33 studies were selected.
CONCLUSIONS: Systemic and topical corticosteroid preparations are used commonly in patients with skin diseases. Oral administration of steroids is particularly useful in acute hypersensitivity diseases, connective tissue diseases, immunological blistering diseases, and the commoner dermatoses when they are very severe and widespread. Topical steroid preparations are mainly used in the different forms of dermatitis, but are also useful in psoriasis and a number of other skin diseases. If potent topical steroid preparations are used for too long, or in excessive quantities, side effects will be encountered as a direct effect on the skin, for example atrophy, and as a result of systemic absorption, for example, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal suppression and Cushing's syndrome.