The use of topical corticosteroids plays a central role in the management of inflammatory skin disorders in dermatology, owing to their cost-effectiveness and early symptom resolution. However, inappropriate or prolonged use, particularly of high-potency agents, may lead to local and systemic adverse effects, including the suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Although systemic complications are likely underreported in the literature, the pediatric population is particularly prone to experiencing them. We present the case of an eight-year-old boy with skin lesions compatible with pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) who developed clinical features of iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome following 10 days of high-potency topical corticosteroids.
Palacio et al. (2026) studied this question.