Ocular side–effects of topical corticosteroids: what a dermatologist needs to know

Topical corticosteroids are used frequently in dermatology and atopic dermatitis without significant adverse effects. Though ocular diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts are known complications of systemic corticosteroids, the role of topical corticosteroids is limited to case reports. This review assesses the literature regarding topical steroids and their role in ocular diseases. There is evidence of harm to vision when potent topical corticosteroids are inappropriately used for prolonged periods to periorbital sites. There is no evidence to date that weak TCS to the face or potent TCS to areas other than the eyes results in ocular complications. Further research trials are required in this area.     

Glaucoma induced by periorbital topical steroid use--a rare complication

Eye complications arising during systemic and ophthalmic steroid use are well known. In contrast, there is little highlighting the similar risks associated with topical steroid use around the eyelids. We now describe a 29-year-old lady who used topical steroids in prolonged fashion throughout most of her life for severe eczema, with the recent application of large quantities of potent steroid continuously for one month, including to the periorbital region. Soon after, she presented to her ophthalmologist with severe bilateral glaucoma and irreversible visual loss attributed to the steroid use. Here we emphasise the possible risks of periorbital topical steroid use, as well as the importance of patient education and ophthalmological follow-up.     

Adverse effects of corticosteroids.

The introduction of corticosteroids has constitutded the most revolutionary event in dermatologic therapy in the last twenty-five years. The effectiveness of topical therapy in well diagnosed and obscure dermatoses led to wide applications by specialists and general practitioners, and resulted in the development of more potent topical steroid preparations. Their enthusiastic acceptance, and often indiscriminante use, has been followed by occasional reports of adverse effects. After the introduction of occlusive topical steroid therapy under plastic wrap, more dramatic therapeutic effects were achieved, but the adverse effects also increased. There is presently an abundance of reports elaborating on systemic and local adverse reactions resulting from topically applied or intralesionally injected steroids. This report summarizes the local side effects of these steroids.     

Intermittent topical corticosteroid/tacrolimus sequential therapy improves lichenification and chronic papules more efficiently than intermittent topical corticosteroid/emollient sequential therapy in patients with atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, relapsing, severely pruritic, eczematous skin disease. Topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment. However, the adverse effects of steroids on hormonal function are the major obstacle for their use as long-term topical therapy. Intermittent dosing with potent topical steroids and/or combination therapy with steroid and tacrolimus have been frequently used in the daily management of AD to overcome the problems accompanying the long term use of steroids. We compared the clinical effects of topical steroid/tacrolimus and steroid/emollient combination treatments in 17 patients with AD. An intermittent topical betamethasone butyrate propionate/tacrolimus sequential therapy improved lichenification and chronic papules of patients with AD more efficiently than an intermittent topical betamethasone butyrate propionate/emollient sequential therapy after four weeks of treatment. Only one out of 17 patients complained of a mild, but temporary, burning sensation after tacrolimus application. The intermittent topical steroid/tacrolimus sequential therapy may be a useful adjunctive treatment for AD.     

Effective prescribing in steroid allergy: controversies and cross-reactions

Contact allergy to topical corticosteroids should be considered in all patients who do not respond to, or are made worse by, the use of topical steroids. The incidence of steroid allergy in such patients is reported as 9% to 22% in adult patients and in 25% of children. It can often go undiagnosed for a long time in patients with a long history of dermatologic conditions and steroid use. Although rare, both immediate and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions have been reported to systemic corticosteroids with an incidence of 0.3%. Reported reactions range from localized eczematous eruptions to systemic reactions, anaphylaxis, and even death. Delayed type reactions to systemically administered steroids may present as a generalized dermatitis, an exanthematous eruption, or occasionally, with blistering or purpura. In this contribution, we clarify the issues surrounding the pathogenesis of steroid allergy, cover the importance of cross-reactions, and describe strategies for the investigation and management for patients with suspected steroid allergy.     

Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome due to topical steroid abuse in a child with Psoriasis presenting as septicaemia

Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the skin and joints. Mild disease is treated with topical corticosteroids (CS) which forms the first line of treatment for localized disease. While it is well established that prolonged use of oral or parenteral corticosteroids can lead to iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome and suppression of hypothalamic pituitary axis; development of these complications secondary to use of topical CS is rarely described. Since steroids have anti‐inflammatory properties, their prolonged use can lead to increased susceptibility to develop bacterial and fungal infections. We hereby report a 11‐year‐old female with psoriasis who presented with septicaemia and features of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome due to treatment with topical corticosteroids for 2 years. Presentation of ICS as septicemia due to topical steroid use in this age group or in a psoriatic patient has not been described in the literature so far. Patient also developed hypertension and osteopenia, which are known adverse effects of corticosteroids; but occur rarely due to topical corticosteroids.     

Difficulties in treating steroid withdrawal: intermittent ACTH and low dose systemic cyclosporin used to treat a senile erythroderma patient

The tapering or termination of prolonged strong topical and/or systemic corticosteroid application for extensive generalized eczema has adverse effects on the body and thus presents a very difficult situation. The present case is that of a 68-year-old man with erythroderma following eczema, whose steroid withdrawal was successfully treated with intermittent ACTH and low dose systemic cyclosporin administration over a period of one year.     

Topische Therapie der Rosazea

Metronidazole and azelaic acid are the only topical medications approved for rosacea. All other topical treatments for rosacea and its special forms are used off-label. Topical steroids are not indicated in rosacea, because of their side effects (induction of steroid rosacea, high risk of facial skin atrophy, and high risk of rebound after cessation of therapy). Topical as well as systemic steroids are allowed only as initial and short term therapy for acute forms of rosacea (e.g. rosacea fulminans). Papular and pustular rosacea is the major indication for topical therapy. Sebaceous gland and connective tissue hyperplasia in glandular-hypertrophic rosacea as well as erythema in erythematous rosacea do not respond well to topical measures. A new active substance, the alpha-2-adrenoreceptor agonist brimonidine, will be approved soon for the topical treatment of erythema in rosacea. All severe forms of rosacea should initially be treated with a combination of topical and systemic agents. After improvement of the clinical symptoms, topical treatment alone is usually adequate to maintain the control.     

Therapy of common superficial fungal infections

Superficial fungal infections are common, especially onychomycosis, dermatophytoses, and superficial Candida infections. Most superficial fungal infections are treated with topical antifungal agents unless the infection covers an extensive area or is resistant to initial therapy. Onychomycosis often requires systemic therapy with griseofulvin, itraconazole, or terbinafine. The objective of this review is to provide the practicing dermatologist with the recommended available therapy for the treatment of common superficial fungal infections.     

Topical Steroid Awareness and Abuse: A Prospective Study among Dermatology Outpatients

Background:Topical steroids are one of the most commonly abused drugs. There are only a few studies available which have highlighted the severity of this problem in India. However, these studies have concentrated mainly on the topical steroid abuse and its side effects over the face.Aims:The aim of this study was to know the awareness among the people about various commonly available topical steroids and their combinations irrespective of usage and to know the extent of misuse of these drugs. Along with this, we also tried to find the source of recommendation of these medicines which will help to sensitize people about this menace.Results:A total of 1000 adult patients were included in the study, out of which 809 (80.9%) patients had heard about at least one of the topical steroids or its combinations mentioned in the questionnaire. Six hundred and twelve (61.2%) patients had used these creams. Acne and pigmentation were the most common indications for which topical steroid was used. These medicines were recommended by general practitioners in 302 (49.5%) patients and pharmacists in 71 (11.6%) patients. Totally, 318 (51.9%) patients complained of some form of side effect after using these creams. Aggravation of the symptoms and increased pigmentation were the most common adverse effects.Conclusion:Misuse of topical steroids not just over the face but also as a cream for any skin problem is quite common. Most of the times, it is recommended by general practitioners or pharmacists. It is very important to sensitize these people about the possible complications of these drugs and the extent of problem the society is facing because of irrational and unregulated use of these drugs.     

Tacrolimus ointment: utilization patterns in children under age 2 years

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common eczematous skin condition; as many as 10-17 percent of all children are affected, and 35-60 percent of affected patients manifest symptoms manifest during the first year of life. Treatment principles for AD in young children involve conservative measures such as avoidance of hot water and environmental irritants, combined with liberal use of emollients after bathing. Low potency topical corticosteroids (TCS) are the current standard of therapy for AD in young children, reserving mid- and high-potency TCS for severe disease. However, complications of long-term use of TCS include skin atrophy, stria formation, telangiectasia, hypopigmentation, secondary infections, steroid acne, allergic contact dermatitis, and miliaria. The pediatric population is also at increased risk for systemic absorption because of their high ratio of skin surface to body mass. Systemic absorption may result in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and ultimately growth retardation. Although most topical and systemic corticosteroids are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in children less than 2 years of age, conservative treatment often fails in this age group and frequently patients are treated with TCS, antibiotics, and antihistamines.     

Density of Demodex folliculorum in perioral dermatitis

The role of Demodex folliculorum in perioral dermatitis is not satisfactory explained. Our purpose was to assess the density of D. folliculorum in perioral dermatitis and evaluate the relationship of the mite count to previous therapy with topical steroids. A standardized skin surface biopsy of the chin was performed in 82 female patients with perioral dermatitis and in 70 control female subjects. Patients who received previous topical steroid therapy had a significantly higher mite density than the patients who had received no topical steroids (p<0.001). In the latter group of patients, the mite density did not differ significantly from that of the control group (p=0.629). Mite density increased significantly with the length of treatment with topical steroids (p<0.001). Our results suggest that increased density of D. folliculorum in perioral dermatitis is a secondary phenomenon, associated with topical steroid therapy.     

Corticosteroids for herpes zoster: what do they accomplish?

For some patients, herpes zoster infections not only result in acute pain but serious consequences, including postherpetic neuralgia and damage to ocular tissues. Some authors have recommended corticosteroids for the treatment of these acute symptoms and complications. The literature concerning the use of corticosteroids for herpes zoster, however, either provides conflicting results or includes recommendations based on clinical experience rather than clinical trials. The author performed a search of the literature to address the question of whether corticosteroids are well tolerated and effective for the treatment/prevention of the acute pain of herpes zoster, postherpetic neuralgia, and/or the ocular complications resulting from herpes zoster. While smaller trials found oral corticosteroids beneficial for preventing postherpetic neuralgia, larger, better designed trials have not found oral corticosteroids to be more efficacious than placebo in preventing postherpetic neuralgia. Trials investigating the effect of oral corticosteroids for the acute pain of herpes zoster have found that corticosteroids provide a statistically significant improvement. Whether these improvements are clinically significant is uncertain. Thus, oral corticosteroids may confer a slight benefit for initial symptoms as long as the patient is not at risk for complications resulting from corticosteroid therapy. Most trials of topical and injectable corticosteroids are limited by several shortcomings. Therefore, topical and most forms of parenteral corticosteroids have yet to be proven effective for the treatment of acute pain or prevention of complications. Two controlled, blinded trials investigating the use of intrathecal corticosteroid administration for intractable postherpetic neuralgia suggest that corticosteroid administration results in a significant improvement in pain. Despite this, several authors have voiced concern over possible serious adverse events with the intrathecal administration of corticosteroids. Intrathecal corticosteroids may provide a benefit for intractable postherpetic neuralgia, but because of risks of serious complications, this is a last-line option and should only be administered by experienced personnel.     

Cushing's syndrome induced by topical steroids used for the treatment of non-bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma

Two children are reported who had the autosomal recessive type of ichthyosis, non-bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma, and who were treated with topical steroids. Both developed features of Cushing's syndrome, which disappeared when topical steroid therapy was discontinued and emollients were used. We believe topical steroid therapy is contra-indicated in this condition.     

Combination therapy in the treatment of psoriasis

In addition to topical monotherapy for mild and systemic monotherapy for moderate to severe psoriasis, combination therapy plays an important role in daily practice. Although clinical trials almost exclusively evaluate monotherapy regimens, in real life psoriasis patients are usually treated with combination therapies. All combinations are used, topical/topical, topical/UV‐light, topical/systemic or UV‐light/systemic. Often not only two but more drugs/therapies are combined. Not every combination provides additive or synergistic effects. Some combinations are not possible and may be regarded as contraindications. Data on a benefit‐risk‐assessment are much more sparse in medical literature as compared to monotherapies. We summarize current knowledge about the use of combination therapies in psoriasis on the basis of published literature in the form of a table to show which combinations are possible, useful or which can not be recommended. This provides a quick overview of available options.     

A case to illustrate the role of ophthalmologist in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects the eye as part of the disease or due to the drugs used in therapy. Ocular involvement is seen in one third of the patients with SLE. SLE is rare in India and found less frequently in males and children. SLE retinopathy is usually bilateral. We report an unusual case of unilateral macular infarction in a boy caused by systemic lupus erythematosus. A fourteen year old boy was presented with skin rashes and loss of vision in left eye. Posterior segment examination showed hyperemic edematous disc, arteriolar attenuation, venous dilatation, multiple cotton wool spots around the disc and macula in the left eye. There was no improvement in vision with pulse steroids and cyclophosphamide. The clinical implication of SLE retinopathy is that the disease is severe and warrants systemic immunosuppressive therapy. SLE-induced macular infarction is rare and has poor visual prognosis. As serious ocular complications of SLE can be silent, routine ophthalmological evaluation is warranted in all patients.     

Correlation of autoantibodies against BP180/BP230 in response to topical corticosteroids in patients with bullous pemphigoid

Topical steroids are effective in treating bullous pemphigoid (BP). Autoantibodies against BP180 are related to disease activity, but correlation of these autoantibodies with response to topical steroid therapy has not yet been clearly evaluated. We investigate the usefulness of close and early monitoring of autoantibodies against BP180 and BP230 for assessment of response to therapy and early detection of therapeutic failure in BP patients treated topically. In eight BP patients under treatment with topical or systemic steroid therapy we retrospectively evaluated clinical course and autoantibodies against BP180 and BP230 as well as indirect immunofluorescence titres (IIF). Data were included at diagnosis, during hospitalization and follow‐ups. Autoantibodies against BP180 parallel disease activity in all topically and as well as systemically treated patients. Autoantibodies against BP230 correlated in five out of eight patients. Autoantibodies directed against BP180 and, to a lesser degree, against BP230 correlate with the clinical course of topically treated BP patients. Monitoring autoantibodies against BP180 is a useful tool to evaluate the efficacy of topical therapy in BP.     

Midchildhood Acne Associated with Inhaled Corticosteroids: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Midchildhood acne has been attributed to a number of causes in the literature, including adrenocortical tumor, hyperandrogenemia due to hypothalamic dysfunction, and contact with greasy topical skin care products. There are only a few case reports of inhaled steroids causing acneiform eruptions, all of which occurred in adults and with symptoms suggesting that the acne resulted from systemic absorption. We present two cases of comedonal and inflammatory midchildhood acne temporally associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids administered through face masks, implicating a causative relationship between topical steroid exposure and midchildhood acne that does not necessitate systemic absorption.     

Necrobiosis lipoidica in childhood: a review of literature with emphasis on therapy

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare chronic granulomatous disease that manifests as sharply demarcated, telangiectatic, brownish-red plaques with atrophic yellowish centers prone to ulceration and occurs predominantly on the shins. In children, NL is extremely rare, but resistance to therapy, troublesome cosmetic appearance, painful ulcerations, and possible development of squamous cell carcinoma in long-persisting lesions are challenges during treatment. Our review includes 29 reports of NL in patients aged <18 years published from 1990 on PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline. The mean age of patients was 14.3 years, with a female predominance of 2 : 1 and a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (80%). Data showed that potent topical steroids up to twice daily is the first-line treatment. For refractory cases, therapy can be switched to tacrolimus. Ulcerations benefit from phase-adapted wound care and anti-inflammatory medical dressings such as medical honey. Adding hyperbaric oxygenation to local or systemic therapy in difficult-to-treat ulcerated lesions can be considered. Refractory cases may be switched to topical photochemotherapy or systemic treatment with TNF-α inhibitors, systemic steroids (preferably in non-diabetic patients), pentoxifylline, or hydroxychloroquine. Necrobiosis lipoidica in childhood is difficult to treat, with a treatment failure rate of 40%. Therefore, further research through patient registries is recommended.     

Cyclosporin A treatment in severe childhood psoriasis

Though used occasionally, systemic therapies in severe childhood psoriasis have not been systematically investigated. Cyclosporin A (CysA) is effective in adults with severe psoriasis but there are no extensive data regarding the efficacy and safety of its use in childhood psoriasis. In this paper, we describe six children aged between 11 months and 13 years (average: 7.6 years) treated with CysA microemulsion formulation for severe psoriasis, who had been unresponsive to other treatments. The CysA dose ranged from 2 to 4 mg/kg/day, for periods varying from 8 to 105 weeks (mean: 54 weeks). Dose tapering was gradual after lesion improvement and adjusted according to clinical response. Adjuvant therapy with topical steroids, vitamin D3 ointments, coal tar preparations or anthralin was used in all children. Acitretin was used in three patients for short periods. The children were regularly monitored for serum renal and liver function and blood pressure. Improvement of skin lesions was achieved after between 4 and 30 (mean: 12) weeks of treatment, with complete remission in three children. Relapse of lesions occurred in the other children during CysA reduction, but they responded to a dose increase. The treatment was found to be well tolerated and with no significant side-effects. CysA can be used in carefully selected and monitored patients and may represent an alternative tool for severe episodes of psoriasis in children, when other therapies are unsuccessful.