What is a potential side effect of long-term use of topical steroids?

Long-term use of topical steroids is primarily associated with skin atrophy, which refers to the thinning of the skin. This occurs because corticosteroids can inhibit collagen synthesis and degrade the structural integrity of the skin, leading to visible changes.

The skin may appear more fragile and susceptible to bruising or tearing. Atrophy is particularly concerning in areas with thinner skin, such as the face and flexural surfaces. This side effect is essential for practitioners to consider, especially when prescribing long-term corticosteroid treatments.

While the other potential side effects, such as skin hyperpigmentation and acne development, can also occur with topical steroid use, they are less commonly addressed than atrophy. Increased elasticity is not a typical effect of prolonged topical steroid use; in fact, the opposite is true, as steroids weaken the skin structure. Understanding skin atrophy as a key side effect highlights the need for careful monitoring and judicious use of topical steroids in patient management.