title: Evaluation of the atrophogenic potential of topical corticosteroids in pediatric dermatology patients.
abstract: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study to determine the atrophogenic potential of TCS in children with dermatitis requiring long-term TCS suppression. Children who were able to achieve good disease control, with a maximum Eczema Area and Severity Index score of 1.0, using TCS were examined for adverse effects of treatment. Cutaneous atrophy was assessed using a validated dermoscopic technique. Cutaneous sites exposed to TCS were compared with nonexposed sites in all patients. There was no significant atrophy in 70 TCS-exposed and 22 TCS-naïve children. Mild grade 1 telangiectasia of the cubital fossa was observed in 3.3% of the test group and 3.1% of the control group (p > 0.99). We conclude that routine, appropriate, long-term use of TCS in children with dermatitis does not cause skin atrophy. These data do not support the widely held belief that routine use of TCS will "thin the skin." Parents, pharmacists, and health practitioners should be confident about the safety of using this treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. ehon8261@med.usyd.edu.au
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Saxon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Gayle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fischer
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004485:Eczema / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D003879:Dermatologic Agents