Since their introduction almost 30 years ago, topical corticosteroids have made a dramatic contribution to the management of a wide range of noninfective skin disorders. Their principal mode ofaction is anti-inflammatory and a variety of potencies and vehicles is available. Several important side effects have been described, of which skin atrophy is the most common, but with careful usage the risks are not great.
Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in certain conditions.
VerbovJ. The place of intralesional steroid therapy in dermatology. Br J Dermatol1976; 94 (suppl. 12): 51–58.
9.
StewartWDDantoJLMaddinS. Dermatology: Diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous disorders. Saint Louis: Mosby1978.
10.
FisherLBMaibachHI. Effects of corticosteroids on human epidermal mitotic activity. Arch Dermatol1971; 103: 39.
11.
MacKenzieAWStoughtonRB. Method of comparing percutaneous absorption of steroids. Arch Dermatol1962; 86: 608.
12.
DuVivierA. Tachyphylaxis to topically applied steroids. Archiv Dermatol1976; 98: 209.
13.
VickersCFH. Existence of reservoir in the stratum corneum. Experimental proof. Arch Dermatol1963; 88: 20.
14.
VickersCFH. Dam, Reservoir or Filter. Trans St John's Dermatol Soc.1973; 59: 10–29.
15.
SneddonIB. Clinical use of topical corticosteroids. Drugs1976; 11: 193–199.
16.
BarryBW. Bioavailability of topical steroids. Dermatologica1976; 152 (suppl. 1): 47–65.
17.
BakerH. Experimental studies on influence of vehicles on percutaneous absorption. J Soc Cosm Chem Br Edn1969; 20: 239.
18.
TreeSMarksR. An explanation for the ‘placebo’ effect of bland ointment bases. Br J Dermatol1975; 92: 195.
19.
BaxterDStoughtonRB. Mitotic index of psoriatic lesions treated with anthralin, gluccco-costeroid and occlusion only. J Invest Dermatol1970; 54: 410.
20.
CunliffeWJBurtonJLHoltiGWrightV. Hazards of steroid therapy in hepatic failureBr J Dermatol1975; 93: 183.
21.
AlmeydaJBurtBW. Double blind controlled study of atopic eczema with a preparation of hydrocortisone in a new drug delivery system versus betemethasone 17-valerate. Brit J Dermatol1974; 91: 597–583.
22.
MacKenzieAWWilkinsonDS. Topical therapy. Recent Adv in Dermatol1977; 4: 281–327.
23.
Asboe-HansenG. Influence of corticosteroids on connective tissue. Dermatologica1976; 152 (suppl 1): 127–132.
24.
EpsteinNMEpsteinWLEpsteinJH. Atrophic striae in patients with inguinal intertigo. Arch Dermatol1963; 87: 450.
25.
StevanovicDV. Corticosteroid induced atrophy of the skin with telangiectasia. Br J Dermatol1972; 87: 548.
26.
GriceK. Tinea of the hand and forearm. Betamethesone valerate atrophy. Proc R Soc Med1966; 59: 254.
SneddonIB. A trial of hydrocortisone butyrate in the treatment of rosacea and perioral dermatitis. Br J Dermatol1973; 89: 505.
29.
DykesPJMarksR. An appraisal of the methods used in the assessment of atrophy from topical corticosteroids. Br J Dermatol1979; 101: 599.
30.
Anonymous. Corticosteroids for the skin. Drug Ther Bull1977; 15: 5–8.
31.
SneddonIB. Adverse effects of topical corticosteroids in rosacea. Br Med J1969; 1: 671.
32.
StanklerLEwenSWB. The effects of corticosteroid injections at sites of skin damage. J Invest Dermatol1972; 59: 394.
33.
MarksR. Concepts in the pathogenesis of rosacea. Br J Dermatol1968; 80: 170.
34.
MarplesRRReboraAKligmanAM. Topical steroid-antibiotic combinations-assay of use in experimentally induced human infections. Arch Dermatol1973; 108: 237.
35.
IveFAMarksR. Tinea incognito. Br Med J1968; 3: 149.
36.
BoxleyJDDawberRPRSummerlyR. Generalized pustular psoriasis on withdrawal of clobetasol propionate ointment. Br Med J1975; 2: 255.
37.
WeberG. Rosacea-like dermatitis. Contraindication or intolerance reaction to strong steroids. Br J Dermatol1972; 86: 253.
ScogginsEB. Decrease of urinary corticosteroid following applications of fiuocinonide acetonide under an occlusive dressing. J Invest Dermatol1962; 39: 473.
43.
MunroDD. The effect of percutaneously absorbed steroids on hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal function after intensive use in in-patients. Br J Dermatol1976; 94 (suppl. 12): 67–76.
44.
AlaniMDAlaniSD. Allergic contact dermatitis to corticosteroids. Ann Allergy1972; 30: 181.