Corticosteroid use in autoimmune blistering diseases.

Corticosteroids, while providing rapid remission and ongoing control of symptoms of autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBD), have numerous potentially serious acute and long-term side effects. Evidence-based medicine has reevaluated the various types of corticosteroids and forms of corticosteroid delivery in AIBD to ascertain whether any advantages of specific delivery systems or regimens exist. Careful monitoring of patients and simple preventive measures are effective in minimizing the adverse outcomes associated with their use. This article outlines the current level of evidence for corticosteroid use in AIBDs, and discusses appropriate investigations and interventions to minimize or prevent the associated adverse effects.