title: Choosing topical corticosteroids.
abstract: Topical corticosteroids are one of the oldest and most useful treatments for dermatologic conditions. There are many topical steroids available, and they differ in potency and formulation. Successful treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis and consideration of the steroid's delivery vehicle, potency, frequency of application, duration of treatment, and side effects. Although use of topical steroids is common, evidence of effectiveness exists only for select conditions, such as psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, atopic dermatitis, phimosis, acute radiation dermatitis, and lichen sclerosus. Evidence is limited for use in melasma, chronic idiopathic urticaria, and alopecia areata.
authors.affiliation: Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, PA 18766, USA. jonathan.ference@wilkes.edu
authors.forename: Jonathan D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Ference
authors.forename: Allen R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Last
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles