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Topical Corticosteroids: Pharmacology

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A Treatise on Topical Corticosteroids in Dermatology

Abstract

Topical corticosteroids are widely used for inflammatory and hyperproliferative disorders in dermatology. Numerous topical corticosteroids with high local activity have been developed over the years, with a focus to develop drugs with high efficacy locally and minimum risk for adverse drug reactions. They are available in a number of formulations. Their therapeutic effects are a result of their anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant, vasoconstrictive and anti-proliferative actions. An appropriate topical corticosteroid is selected on the basis of the dermatological condition to be treated, patient-related factors and the physicochemical properties of the drug. Their use is associated with mainly local adverse drug reactions, but prolonged use and/or use of high-potency topical corticosteroids may cause systemic effects.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, Christian Medical College-Ludhiana, Ludhiana, Punjab, India

    Gagandeep Kwatra

  2. Department of Pharmacology, Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan, West Bengal, India

    Sandip Mukhopadhyay

Authors
  1. Gagandeep Kwatra
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  2. Sandip Mukhopadhyay
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Correspondence to Gagandeep Kwatra .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals and WIZDERM, Kolkata, India

    Koushik Lahiri

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© 2018 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

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Kwatra, G., Mukhopadhyay, S. (2018). Topical Corticosteroids: Pharmacology. In: Lahiri, K. (eds) A Treatise on Topical Corticosteroids in Dermatology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4609-4_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4609-4_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-10-4608-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-10-4609-4

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