A TREATISE ON TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROIDS IN DERMATOLOGY. USE, MISUSE AND ABUSE

1. Evolution and Development of Topical Corticosteroids
2. Topical Corticosteroids: Pharmacology
3. Dermatological Indications and Usage of Topical Corticosteroid
4. An Evidence Based Approach of Use of Topical Corticosteroids in Dermatology
5. Ethical Use of Topical Corticosteroids
6. Topical Corticosteroid During Pregnancy: Indications, Safety and Precautions
7. Pros and Cons of Topical Corticosteroids in Lactating Females
8. Topical Corticosteroids in Blistering Diseases
9. Use and Misuse of Topical Corticosteroids in Hair and Scalp Disorders
10. Use and Misuse of Topical Corticosteroid in Pediatric Age Group
11. Rational Use of Topical Corticosteroids
12. Abuse of Topical Corticosteroid as Cosmetic Cream: A Social Background of Steroid Dermatitis
13. Topical Steroid Damaged/Dependent Face (TSDF)
14. Topical Corticosteroid Modified Superficial Dermatophytosis: Morphological Patterns
15. Use and Misuse of Topical Corticosteroid in Genital Dermatosis
16. Red Skin Syndrome
17. Topical Corticosteroid Abuse: Indian Perspective
18. Topical Corticosteroid Abuse in Nepal: Scenario
19. Topical Corticosteroid Abuse: Bangladesh Perspective
20. Topical Corticosteroid Use in the Middle East
21. Topical Corticosteroid Abuse: Southeast Asia Perspective
22. Topical Corticosteroid Abuse: A Japanese Perspective
23. Topical Corticosteroid Abuse: Africa Perspective
24. Topical Corticosteroid Use and Overuse: An Australian Perspective
25. Systemic Side Effects of Topical Corticosteroids
26. Topical Side Effects of Topical Corticosteroids
27. Topical Corticosteroid Addiction
28. Topical Corticosteroid Phobia
29. Treatment of Topical Corticosteroid-Damaged Skin
30. Procedural Techniques in Management of Topical Corticosteroid Abuse
31. Topical Corticosteroids: Regulatory Aspects
32. Topical Corticosteroids: The Pharmacovigilance Perspective
33. Combating Topical Corticosteroids Abuse at the Community Level
34. Topical Corticosteroid Use and Misuse: Global Scenario and Role of International Topical Steroid Addiction Network (ITSAN)
35. Topical Corticosteroid Awareness Among General Population and Dermatology Outpatients
36. A Pictorial Album on Topical Corticosteroid Abuse

This treatise aims to fill up the lacuna and to contribute significantly to the dissemination of knowledge about the indication/contraindication, mechanism of action, ethical use, side-effects and various other facets related to topical corticosteroid.
Topical corticosteroids (TC) have greatly enhanced dermatologists’ ability to effectively treat several difficult dermatoses. The available range of formulations and potencies allows them to flexibly treat all groups of patients, different phases of disease, and different anatomic sites.
Improper/incomplete knowledge about topical corticosteroids’ mechanism of action, indications, classifications, and contraindications has produced a rapid rise in the incidence of improper use of these drugs, which could potentially bring disrepute to this entire group of amazing drugs.
Responsibility for disseminating proper knowledge regarding when, where, and how to use TC both to internists and patients primarily rests with dermatologists. In this regard, the benefits of rational and ethical use and the potential harm of overuse and misuse for nonmedical, especially cosmetic purposes, should be clearly conveyed before prescribing TC.

Features
• Topical corticosteroids have been available for more than six decades during which they have completely changed the face of therapy of dermatological disorders
• Despite being the most useful drug for such treatment they are known to produce serious local, systemic and psychological side-effects when overused or misused
• A separate book dedicated to topical corticosteroids has never been planned or executed