TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROID USE IN DERMATOLOGY

Abstract

Many -of the dermatological diseases respond to topically applied

•corticosteroids. Care should he exercised in prescribing them, and especially in repeating prescriptions. Knowledge of skin structure and of its physiologic and pathologic modifications can rmprove the prediction of topical pharmacokinetics in normal and diseased skin. So, the ideal drug should accordingly penetrate into the skin but no further. Attempts to attain this goal are made by varying the structure of the drug, the vehicle, the concentration and by using occlusive dressings. Understanding the correct use of these agents will result in the successful management of a variety of skin problems. Corticosteroids exert anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and catabolic effects on the skin. While the potential hazards of superpotent steroids are greater, the tendency for abuse of the less potent classes is more likely because there are no limitations on quantities prescribed, recommendations for daily dosage, and the use in children.