Chemotherapy used in dermatology

Although systemic corticosteroids have been helpful in certain dermatologic conditions, their prolonged use may be cursed with serious side effects. Currently several dermatologic, immunologic, and proliferative disorders have been helped or controlled with cytotoxic and immunosuppressive drugs. A guideline for their use is advocated and described. The short- and long-term toxicity of these drugs is presented. The most frequently prescribed therapeutic programs for psoriasis, pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid lymphoma cutis, and metastatic melanoma are outlined and discussed. Lists of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents and of the diseases or conditions for which they have been or are used and of dosage and toxicities are given.