Rational use of topical corticosteroids

Abstract

Topical corticosteroids (TCs) have been the backbone of a dermatologist's therapeutic armamentarium to treat various steroid-responsive dermatoses. They are available in different strengths and molecular and vehicular formulations that give dermatologist great flexibility to treat diseases of varying severity present at different anatomic sites in patients of different age groups. However, many of these advantages of TCs have been negated by the frequent instances of misuse and abuse of these drugs by dermatologists, general physicians, and patients alike. This has increased cases with known adverse effects of TC as well as revealed unique TC-induced dermatoses among users. The dermatologist owes the society a responsibility to disseminate proper knowledge regarding when, where, and how to use TC and promote their rational and ethical use. The benefits of proper and appropriate use and the harm of unsupervised overuse in correct indications, misuse for cosmetic purposes, and underuse due to incomplete knowledge or irrational fears need to be clearly conveyed using all available medical, legal, and political resources.