SKIN: CORTICOSTEROIDS

Question 1

CORTICOSTEROIDS: INDICATIONS

Answer 1

• Inflammatory skin conditions (eg. Eczema)
• Treat Dx Flares
• Control Chronic Dx where emollients are not enough

Question 2

CORTICOSTEROIDS: MOA

Answer 2

• Immunosuppressive, metabolic and mineralocorticoid effects

- Can be mild, moderate or severe

Question 3

CORTICOSTEROIDS: ADVERSE EFFECTS

Answer 3

• Uncommon with mild or moderately potent topical steroids
• local adverse effects such as skin thinning, striae, telangiectasia and contact dermatitis
• When used on the face, they can cause perioral dermatitis and cause or exacerbate acne
• Withdrawal of topical corticosteroids can cause a rebound worsening of the underlying skin condition. - Rarely, adrenal suppression and systemic adverse effects occur

Question 4

CORTICOSTEROIDS: WARNINGS

Answer 4

• Do not use when infection is present, can cause spread

- Facial lesions = AVOID

Question 5

CORTICOSTEROIDS: INTERACTIONS

Answer 5

• Generally no significant interactions
• If several topical agents are being used on the same area of skin, applications should be spaced out to allow absorption of pharmacologically active agents; emollients should be applied last

Question 6

CORTICOSTEROIDS: EXAMPLES

Answer 6

• Hydrocortisone 0.1–2.5% is mild

- Betamethasone valerate 0.1% is potent