Corticosteroids

Class Summary

These agents have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. Corticosteroids modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.

Triamcinolone topical (Aristocort)

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Triamcinolone topical is for inflammatory dermatoses responsive to steroids; it decreases inflammation by suppressing the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing capillary permeability. Use 0.1% gel.

Fluocinonide (Fluonex, Lidex)

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Fluocinonide is a high-potency topical corticosteroid that inhibits cell proliferation. It is immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory. Use 0.05% gel.

Clobetasol (Temovate)

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Clobetasol is a class I superpotent topical steroid; it suppresses mitosis and increases synthesis of proteins that decrease inflammation and cause vasoconstriction. Use 0.05% gel.

Prednisone (Deltasone)

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Prednisone is an immunosuppressant for the treatment of autoimmune disorders; it may decrease inflammation by reversing increased capillary permeability and suppressing PMN activity. Prednisone stabilizes lysosomal membranes and suppresses lymphocyte and antibody production. It is useful in severe cases.

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Media Gallery

Irritant contact stomatitis of the tongue.
Close-up view of irritant contact stomatitis of the tongue.
Acute allergic stomatitis involving the oral mucosa and the lip due to benzocaine.
Allergic contact dermatitis involving the lips and the perioral area due to propolis.
Allergic contact reaction due to nickel in a dental brace.
Allergic contact stomatitis on the gingiva in a patient with a positive patch test result to nickel, palladium, and mercury.
Leukoplakialike lesion in a patient who is allergic to mercury.
Lichen planus–like lesion adjacent to a dental restoration.
Contact urticaria of the lip due to food allergy.
Contact urticaria of the tongue in a patient with latex allergy.
Close-up view of contact urticaria of the tongue in a patient with latex allergy.
Positive patch test result to mercury.
Positive prick test result to latex.

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Author

Antonella Tosti, MD Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami, Leonard M Miller School of Medicine

Antonella Tosti, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, International Society of Dermatology, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Women's Dermatologic Society, Canadian Dermatology Association

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: PharmaDerm<br/>Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Valeant; Pharmaderm.

Coauthor(s)

Massimiliano Pazzaglia, MD, PhD Fellow, Department of Dermatology, University of Bologna, Italy

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Bianca Maria Piraccini, MD, PhD Director of Dermatology Unit, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum--University of Bologna, Italy

Bianca Maria Piraccini, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Council for Nail Disorders, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Michael J Wells, MD, FAAD Dermatologic/Mohs Surgeon, The Surgery Center at Plano Dermatology

Michael J Wells, MD, FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Drore Eisen, MD, DDS Consulting Staff, Dermatology of Southwest Ohio

Drore Eisen, MD, DDS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Oral Medicine, American Dental Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Craig A Elmets, MD Professor and Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Chemoprevention Program Director, Comprehensive Cancer Center, UAB Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine

Craig A Elmets, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Association of Immunologists, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Medical Research, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: University of Alabama at Birmingham; University of Alabama Health Services Foundation<br/>Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: Ferndale Laboratories<br/>Received research grant from: NIH, Veterans Administration, California Grape Assn<br/>Received consulting fee from Astellas for review panel membership; Received salary from Massachusetts Medical Society for employment; Received salary from UpToDate for employment. for: Astellas.