a) Topical corticosteroids work by inhibiting cell division.

a) Not True _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Wrong answer ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯

b) Absorption of topical steroid varies dramatically depending on location of its application.

b) Not True _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Wrong answer ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯

c) Inflamed skin increases percutaneous penetration of topical steroids.

c) Not True _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Wrong answer ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯

d) Use of potent steroids for prolonged periods may result in adrenal suppression.

d) Not True _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Wrong answer ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯

e) Absorption of topical steroids will be increased if skin is dehydrated.

e) Not True _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Correct ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯

Answer and Commentary _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Hydrated skin will absorb more topical corticosteroids. Completely hydrated skin will increase absorption up to five-fold. Absorption through skin varies depending on location of application. Compared to the forearm, hydrocortisone is absorbed 6 times as well from the forehead and 42 times as well through scrotal skin. Absorption is also increased under occlusion. Excess and prolonged use of topical corticosteroids may lead to hypercortisolism, hypothalamic pituitary axis suppression or Cushing’s syndrome. ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯