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Side effects of topical corticosteroids

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Commonly, side effects with topical corticosteroids are only encountered with the potent, e.g. betamethasone 0.1%, and very potent, e.g. clobetasol propionate 0.5%, groups.

The possibility of adverse effects depends on the following factors:

  • potency of the steroid used
  • duration of use
  • surface area of the skin treated - treating large areas of skin increases risk
  • skin condition and the site of application – risk is increased when applied to areas with thin skin (face, the backs of the hands, intertriginous areas) and to raw surfaces
  • occlusion – increases skin absorption (1,2,3)
  • age of the patient – paediatric and geriatric patients are at an increased risk (4)

Particular care must be taken with corticosteroids in children. Very potent agents are contraindicated in children under one year-of-age and potent agents should be avoided. Growth retardation and cosmetic deformation may result.

Reference:


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