Cushing's syndrome from topical glucocorticoids.
A case of Cushing's syndrome is described in a woman who self-treated psoriasis with a variety of potent topical glucocorticoids over 15 years. She was successfully weaned off corticosteroids and was treated with alternative anti-psoriatic drugs. The disappearance, nine months later, of most features of Cushing's syndrome, and the normal suppression of cortisol in response to dexamethasone, excluded endogenous hypercorticolism. The apparent widespread availability across the counter of potent corticosteroids is a cause for concern.
Teelucksingh
S
S
Department of Medicine, Port-of-Spain General Hospital, Trinidad.
Bahall
M
M
Coomansingh
D
D
Suite
M
M
Bartholomew
C
C
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003899:Desoximetasone / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D012651:Self Medication; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D003899:Desoximetasone; D002990:Clobetasol