title: [Topical corticosteroids].
abstract: Therapeutics in dermatology underwent complete change after the introduction of topical hydrocortisone in the Fifties. At the time, stronger derivatives than hydrocortisone were synthetised and the indications for topical corticosteroids were expanded. Around twenty different molecules, classified according to their strength, are currently available for prescription in France. Many inflammatory or tumoral skin diseases respond to these products. The choice of a topical corticosteroid (strength, vehicle.) and of its mode of application (technique, rhythm of application) is oriented by the context (dermatitis treated, localization) and must respect "Good clinical practice" guidelines so as to select the best benefit/risk ratio.
authors.affiliation: Service de Pharmacologie, Centre de Pharmacovigilance, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris. benedicte.lebrun-vignes@psl.ap-hop-paris.fr
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lebrun-Vignes
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Chosidow
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones