The risks of systemic corticosteroid use

Because of their potent antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, systemic corticosteroids are used to modify a vast array of diseases. This class of drugs, however, has the potential to produce multiple adverse effects presenting the dermatologist with difficult decisions in the management of patients with potentially steroid responsive disorders. This article reviews the side effects of systemic corticosteroids, comments on strategies to minimize these side effects, as well as, outlining suggested mechanisms by which physicians may minimize the risks of medical legal consequences owing to adverse reactions to these drugs.