A Treatise on Topical Corticosteroids in Dermatology – Use Misuse and Abuse

When the proposal of publishing a book with one of the leading publishing houses reached me, spontaneously, this topic came to my mind.

Over almost the last seven decades, topical corticosteroids have significantly influenced the dermatologist’s capability to effectively treat several difficult dermatoses. During this period, they have completely changed the face of therapy of dermatological disorders. The available range of formulations and potency gives flexibility to treat all groups of patients, different phases of disease, and different anatomic sites and made it almost inseparable from the practice of dermatology anywhere in the globe. But, these are supposed to be used in various dermatological disorders based on evidence-based knowledge and expertise.

It was indeed surprising that in spite such important locus in the practice of dermatology, a complete discourse dedicated only to this subject of topical corticosteroids in its entirety has never been attempted in an exhaustive manner.

Most of the time, at least initially, dermatological disorders are largely managed by family physicians and general practitioners. Inadequate awareness about the potency-based  classification and insufficient acquaintance about the mechanism of action, indications, and contraindications of topical corticosteroids have given rise to the rapid incidence of the  improper use of these drugs which threatens to bring disrepute to the entire group of these remarkable drugs.

As we had to deal with an extremely specialized topic and as this was the first book entirely dedicated to a single topic, topical corticosteroids, we had to select experts from all over the world for this ambitious project. They are all working on specific topics assigned to them for many years, and some have contributed articles in journals. The benefits of rational and ethical use and the harm of overuse and misuse for nonmedical, especially for cosmetic, purposes should be clearly conveyed before penning a prescription involving topical corticosteroids. 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. This treatise aims to fill up that 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 corticosteroids.

In order to give shape to this ambitious vision, we tried to rope in the best global experts on this topic. Knowing some of the authors helped us draw on their personal experience as well as scientific evidence in these chapters. The final result is a never before compilation on this  subject authored by fifty top thought leaders in the field.

This is an astonishing treatise, a collective wisdom of key academic opinion leaders bejeweled with rich illustration from the extensive and priceless clinical arsenal of the authors.

We hope this comprehensive compendium will be of value to all dermatologists whether postgraduate students, senior practitioners, or academicians in India, Asia, and the globe. General practitioners/family physicians would also immensely benefit from this book.

This is our sincere and humble effort to bridge gaps in the subject while presenting the latest advances to our fellow dermatologists. We know the road ahead is still long, but a beginning was necessary. We look forward to your feedback.

Kolkata, India
Koushik Lahiri