Use of Topical Corticosteroids in Dermatology: An Evidence-based Approach

• Published in: Indian journal of dermatology Vol. 62; no. 3; pp. 237 - 250
• Main Authors: Das, Anupam, Panda, Saumya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01-05-2017; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Baldness; Clinical trials; Corticosteroid drugs; Dermatitis; Dermatology; Dosage and administration; Drug dosages; Drug therapy; Eczema; Fear & phobias; Inflammation; Meta-analysis; Patients; Pregnancy; randomized controlled trials; Review; Skin diseases; Steroids; systematic reviews; topical corticosteroids; Vitiligo; systematic reviews; topical corticosteroids; randomized controlled trials; Meta-analysis
• ISSN: 0019-5154; 1998-3611
• DOI: 10.4103/ijd.IJD_169_17

Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are the pillars of dermatotherapeutics. These drugs are the "magic molecules," provided they are used judiciously and appropriately, following a rational prescription. On exhaustive literature search in multiple databases, we found a significant evidence favoring the use of TCs in atopic eczema, localized vitiligo, psoriasis, chronic hand eczema, and localized bullous pemphigoid. However, contrary to conventional wisdom, we did not find any high-level scientific evidence in support of prescribing TCs in cutaneous lichen planus, sarcoidosis, and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Besides, evidence clearly advocates judicious use of mild-to-moderate corticosteroids (if required) in pregnancy and lactation and there is no risk of any fetal abnormality.