[Topical corticosteroids in dermatology--advantages and side effects]

In the article, the authors have presented the crucial stages of scientific research concerning topical steroids which contribute to reduce undesirable side effects and to improve the therapeutic index. Attention has been paid to the variety of factors which influence the absorption of steroids by the skin (kinds of drugs, their forms, types of dressing, regions of the skin, time of application). The mechanism of antiinflammatory, antipruritic and antiproliferation actions of steroids, conditioning their topical therapeutic effect, has been given. A four- and seven-graded classification, which takes into consideration the force of action of the topical steroids and is helpful in the daily medical practice, has been mentioned. There have been also listed most common systemic complications and especially the effects of chronic topical application of steroids on the skin.