title: Systemic reactions to topically applied drugs.
abstract: Topical drugs can be absorbed percutaneously in sufficient amounts to cause untoward systemic effects. Generally speaking, infants and young children appears to be more vulnerable than adults. It has been shown that the prolonged and extensive use of topical corticosteroids can induce iatrogenic hypercorticism and that they may also impair the patients ability to cope with stress. Furthermore, the relatively limited use, areawise and timewise, of agents such as phenol, resorcinol, salicylic acid, hexachlorophene, boric acid, mercurials, and podophyllin may suffice to elicit dire systemic reactions.
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001888:Boric Acids / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006582:Hexachlorophene / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008466:Mechlorethamine / Q000009:adverse effects; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D011033:Podophyllin / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D012118:Resorcinols / Q000009:adverse effects; D012459:Salicylates / Q000009:adverse effects; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D001888:Boric Acids; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D012118:Resorcinols; D012459:Salicylates; D008466:Mechlorethamine; D011033:Podophyllin; D006582:Hexachlorophene