ABSTRACT
This chapter presents classification & mode of action, indications & dermatological uses, formulations/presentation, dosages & suggested regimens, baseline investigations, considerations & monitoring, contraindications, cautions, important drug interactions, adverse effects & their management, use in special situations, and essential patient information of Corticosteroids. Synthetic corticosteroids are analogues of endogenous adrenal steroid hormones and are widely used in dermatology. Corticosteroids also have non-genomic actions such as interactions with cellular membranes and receptors. After absorption corticosteroids bind to the carrier protein, transcortin and albumin. Corticosteroids thereby reduce inflammation via several molecular mechanisms, suppressing the many inflammatory genes that are activated in chronic inflammatory diseases and repressing the expression of pro-inflammatory proteins. Corticosteroids have been widely used in dermatology since the 1950s. Patients taking oral corticosteroids must continue systemic therapy during periods of stress such as infection, trauma or surgery, either orally or by injection. Bone loss is one of the most important adverse effects of corticosteroid therapy even in low doses.
