Topical Corticosteroids

Topical steroids are very commonly used by the dermatologists and other providers who manage skin diseases. Unfortunately, not much training is given to the primary care trainees during their respective curriculum about its usage. As a result, most primary care providers are hesitant to use them. Topical steroids need to be used with caution and prudence. If inappropriately a high potent one is used, it can cause unnecessary side effects of topical steroids such as atrophyAtrophy, telengectasia, hypopigmentation, hypertrichosis. On the other hand, using a topical steroid that is therapeutically subpotent is not going to be helpful to the patient. This chapter provides some practical tips regarding their usage.