Use and abuse of topical corticosteroids in children

Topical corticosteroids (TC) have been in use for more than half a century and are useful for the treatment of various inflammatory disorders in all age groups including children. Children, however, form a special age group because their skin, being more thin and tender, is more susceptible to the side-effects of the drug. Hence dermatologists must be aware of this special situation where TC must be prescribed with utmost caution. Counselling of parents and others handling the children is also imperative for judicious use of the drug. Planned withdrawal of the drug as early as possible helps in avoiding tachyphylaxis and most of the side-effects of the drug.