Side Effects of Steroid Therapy in Dermatology

This paper gives the findings in 215 cases treated with adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisone and other steroids given systemically in the Skin Department of the London Hospital and to Skin Department in-patients. It covers a period of over six years, from the date of the first use of steroid therapy until the end of I959. The total number is 215, 122 men and 93 women. The diseases for which the drugs were given have been divided into the following groups: (i) eczema; (2) lichen planus; (3) collagen diseases; (4) Besnier's prurigo; (5) alopecia; (6) psoriasis; (7) erythrodermia; (8) seborrhoeic dermafitis; (9) bullous dermatoses; (Io) miscellaneous. The period over which the drugs were given varied widely, as would be expected. Some patients had them for only a few days, some for several years continuously, some had repeated courses; often a patient had treatment with more than one steroid.