Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Applications of Topical Corticosteroids in Contemporary Pharmacy Practice: An Updated Review for Pharmacists

    December 2025 in “ Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health ”
    Abdalmjeed Awod Alazmi, Mabrok Musalm Eid Alazmi, Mohammed Ali Hamzah Albuhaydil, Faisal Abdullah Ahmad Alshlali, Saleh Sarhan M Al Rashedi, Zaki Essa Yosef Alhiri, Khaled Salim Al-Azmi
    TLDR Pharmacists are key in choosing and guiding the safe use of topical corticosteroids for skin conditions.
    Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are essential in treating various steroid-responsive skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and alopecia areata, due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. This review emphasizes the importance of pharmacists in selecting the appropriate TCS based on potency, vehicle, and site, as well as in educating patients on proper dosing using fingertip units (FTUs) and monitoring for adverse effects like skin atrophy and systemic absorption risks. Pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring safe and effective TCS use through patient education, adherence support, and safety monitoring.
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