Since the initial description in 1951 by Sulzberger et al<sup>65 Sulzberger M.B., Witten V.H., Yaffe S.N. Cortisone acetate administered orally in dermatologic therapy Arch Dermatol Syphilol 1951 ;  64 : 573-578

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> of the use of oral glucocorticosteroids (GCSs) for the treatment of skin diseases, these agents have been used for a wide variety of dermatologic conditions. The accompanying box includes a partial list of some of the conditions for which dermatologists most often prescribe systemic GCSs, although many other cutaneous conditions can be treated effectively with these medications. Since the 1950s, a variety of adverse reactions to GCSs have been noted, from the trivial to life-threatening and life altering. This article discusses basic GCS pharmacology, mechanisms of action, and treatment guidelines, with a particular focus on adverse effects and ways these effects may be minimized in clinical use.