Possible side effects of topical steroids.

When used properly in controlled situations, topical corticosteroids provide dramatic relief in distressing disorders such as eczema, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. The fluorinated preparations are associated with a variety of side effects, including acne, striae, premature aging of the skin, hypertrichosis, perioral dermatitis, glaucoma and even adrenal suppression. Except for the severe, acute dermatoses, a nonfluorinated steroid is the better choice because of the relative lack of side effects and lower cost.