Iatrogenic cushing syndrome due to the misuse of topical corticosteroids. Pediatric case report

Abstract

Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of many dermatological diseases due to their anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and antiproliferative effects. Its indiscriminate use can cause serious local and systemic adverse effects, mainly in children and in the presence of certain predisposing factors. While topical corticosteroids are safe and effective, it is important to pay attention to factors such as patient's age, skin barrier, clinical characteristic and localization of the lesion, potency and vehicle of the corticosteroid before its prescription to reduce the possibility of adverse effects. We present the case of a 5-month-old patient who presented an ulcerated hemangioma in the left buttock. Due to the local application of a topical corticosteroid on the hemangioma for more than 3 months, she developed Cushing's syndrome.