Related Experiment Videos
[Local corticosteroid therapy in childhood]
1Klinik für Hautkrankheiten, Universität Greifswald.
Insights
Topical glucocorticoids (GC) treat childhood skin diseases but long-term use risks side effects. Discontinuous therapy or weaker GCs can minimize risks in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Childhood dermatoses, including inflammatory and chronic skin conditions, often necessitate topical glucocorticoid (GC) treatment.
- Long-term application of topical GCs in children increases the risk of both local and systemic side effects.
- Pediatric skin possesses unique characteristics that influence GC absorption and potential adverse events.
Purpose:
- To review the risks associated with topical glucocorticoid (GC) therapy in children.
- To discuss factors influencing side effect profiles in pediatric patients.
- To recommend strategies for minimizing adverse events during long-term GC treatment in childhood dermatoses.
Summary:
- Topical glucocorticoids (GCs) are frequently used for pediatric inflammatory and chronic skin diseases.
- Therapeutic risks escalate with prolonged use, influenced by children's skin properties, GC potency, and application methods.
- Strategies like discontinuous therapy and utilizing weaker GCs are advised to mitigate adverse effects.
Impact:
- Provides guidance for safer topical GC use in pediatric dermatology.
- Aims to reduce the incidence of side effects in children undergoing long-term dermatological treatment.
- Informs clinical practice regarding risk-benefit assessment for pediatric GC therapy.
Abstract:
Various dermatoses require the application of topical glucocorticoids (gc) already in childhood. There are mostly inflammatory and frequently chronic skin diseases. In necessary long-term therapy the risk of topical and/or systemic side effects increases. This depends among others on special features of the children's skin, the potency of the gc and the mode of application. To avoid side effects, variations of a discontinuous therapy and so called weak gc should be used.