Topical corticosteroids usage in dermatology.

Prescribing of topical corticosteroids was studied in 200 patients attending the dermatology outpatients, randomly auditing the written prescriptions. Data with regard to potency, quantity, frequency, duration and site of application was collected and analyzed. Potent topical steroids were commonly used in 86 (43%) patients. The quantity of topical steroid was mentioned in only 4% patients whereas the frequency was specified in 77%, the site in 69% and the duration in 55% patients, respectively. The importance of these parameters is discussed, guidelines regarding use of topical steroids suggested.