What are the side-effects of using topical corticosteroids?
The prolonged use of topical corticosteroids, especially potent corticosteroids, can cause thinning of the skin (mild skin atrophy where the skin becomes very thin and relatively easy to rip or bleed), stretch marks, telangiectasia (permanent dilation of pre-existing small blood vessels that create red lesions), hypertrichosis (excessive growth of hair), and acneform papules (resembling acne lesions). All corticosteroids should be used under your dermatologists care.
