title: The use of corticosteroids in dermatological practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the various uses of corticosteroids in patients with skin diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  All relevant literature published since 1950 was reviewed and 33 studies were selected.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Systemic and topical corticosteroid preparations are used commonly in patients with skin diseases. Oral administration of steroids is particularly useful in acute hypersensitivity diseases, connective tissue diseases, immunological blistering diseases, and the commoner dermatoses when they are very severe and widespread. Topical steroid preparations are mainly used in the different forms of dermatitis, but are also useful in psoriasis and a number of other skin diseases. If potent topical steroid preparations are used for too long, or in excessive quantities, side effects will be encountered as a direct effect on the skin, for example atrophy, and as a result of systemic absorption, for example, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal suppression and Cushing's syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Barnetson
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D015552:Injections, Intralesional; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids