Steroids

Question 1

what systemic side effect can steroid use have?

Answer 1

suppression of the HPA axis due to increasing negative feedback
can lead to Cushing’s disease and growth retardation or steroid rebound

Question 2

what is the HPA axis?

Answer 2

Hypothalamus > Pituitary > Adrenal cortex

Question 3

what can affect the potential of steroids to cause side effects?

Answer 3

potency of the steroid
duration of treatment
extent of treatment (surface area to body volume ratio)
occlusion (if under skin folds etc)
thin skin (i.e face, children, genitalia)
inflamed skin

Question 4

name a mild, moderate, potent and very potent steroid

Answer 4

mild = hydrocortisone
moderate = eumovate
potent = betnovate elocon
very potent = dermovate

Question 5

name some reversible side effects of steroid use

Answer 5

acneiform eruptions
modification of existing disease (scabies, rosacea)
pigment changes
poor wound healing
tachyphylaxis
contact allergy

Question 6

name some permanent side effects of steroid use

Answer 6

atrophy
poor wound healing
glaucoma
hirsutism
striae (stretch marks)