Background: Systemic corticosteroids are often used in dermatology. The anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties of corticosteroids make this agent as the first-line option in many disorders such as autoimmune and bullous diseases. However, there are also potential side effects and dermatologists who prescribe corticosteroids have to be aware of them.
Case Summary: We report a 16-year-old girl with a history of taking oral methylprednisolone in the past 8 months who came with a acne-like eruption on the face, chest, and extremities as well as lines on the skin. Physical examination revealed monomorphic papules on the facial, thorax, and superior and inferior extremities region. Comedones were absent. Striae were found in the bilateral femur, abdomen, and mammary region. The patient was diagnosed with acneiform eruption and striae distensae rubra. Treatment using a combination of topical clindamycin and tretinoin showed clinical improvement of the acneiform eruption after three months of therapy. However, striae did not show improvement despite topical application of tretinoin and Centella asiatica extract.
Conclusion: This case demonstrates the importance of understanding the cutaneous side effects that may result from chronic systemic corticosteroids administration as well as the evidence-based management.
Key words: cutaneous side effects, systemic corticosteroid, striae, acneiform eruption
|
