Dermoscopy of topical steroid-dependent or damaged face: A cross-sectional study

Background: Topical corticosteroid (TCS) abuse is rampant and results in steroid addiction labeled as topical steroid-dependent or damaged face (TSDF). Indian market is replete with triple combination creams containing TCS sold as over-the-counter products at low cost, luring people to use them without prescription. The resultant damage if detected late is irreversible and difficult to treat. Dermoscopy can help in the early identification of features of TSDF at a preclinical stage resulting in better prognosis. However, the literature on the same is limited. Aims: This study is undertaken to characterize dermoscopic features of TSDF and to correlate them with potency and duration of application of the TCS. Methods: One hundred and thirty-two patients aged 18 years or above, with clinical symptoms and signs suggestive of TSDF and with history of application of TCS on the face for a period of more than one month, were enrolled in the study. Their demographic details, clinical features, and dermoscopy findings were recorded using a predesigned structured format. Comparison of dermoscopic findings with clinical examination, gender, potency of TCS, and duration of TCS use was done using Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and one-tailed Z-test. Results: Mean age of the patients was 31.7 ± 8.1 years. Male to female ratio was 2:9. Sixty-nine (52.3%) patients abused TCS for more than one year. Clinical findings noted in the patients were erythema (81.1%), hyperpigmentation (80.3%), and hypertrichosis (68.2%). The most common dermoscopy findings seen were brown globules (96.2%), red diffuse areas (92.4%), vessels (87.1%), white structureless areas (86.4%), and hypertrichosis (80.3%). Red diffuse areas, vessels, brown globules, white structureless areas, and white hair were observed in a statistically higher proportion of cases dermoscopically. Y-shaped vessels and brown globules were seen in significantly higher number of patients, using TCS for more than three months and in those continuing it beyond six months, polygonal vessels were predominant. Limitations: Lack of histopathological correlation is the limitation of our study. Furthermore, brown globules seen in 96.2% patients of TSDF on dermoscopy may have been over-estimated and not always signify TSDF; instead, it could represent melasma for which patient applied TCS. Conclusion: Dermoscopy in TSDF can help dermatologists in a multitude of ways from confirming the diagnosis to differentiating from other causes of red face and predicting the approximate duration of TCS abuse.

Topical corticosteroid induced ulcerated striae

Abstract We report four cases of ulcerated striae following misuse of fixed dose combinations creams containing clobetasol propionate with antifungal and antibacterial agents.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Topical Steroids after Trabeculectomy in Patients with Primary Open-angle Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To compare the surgical outcomes and intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction after trabeculectomy in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) according to treatment with three different postoperative topical steroids. METHODS: A total of 84 eyes of 84 patients who had undergone trabeculectomy for POAG and were followed-up at least 1 year were included in this study. According to the postoperative topical steroid treatment, the patients were divided into three groups involving 0.5% loteprednol etabonate (LE), 1% rimexolone (RMX), and 1% prednisolone acetate (PDA). The mean IOP change, mean number of topical anti-glaucoma medication changes, 1-year success rate, and complication percentage were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: There were significant reductions in the IOP and number of anti-glaucoma medications during the postoperative 1-year follow-up in all of the groups (all, p < 0.05), but there were no differences among the three groups. Postoperative 1-year success rates (68.2% in the LE group, 67.0% in the RMX group, and 65.9% in the PDA group; p = 0.88) and complication percentages of trabeculectomy were not significantly different among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistical differences in the 1-year success rate, complication percentage, visual acuity, IOP, and number of anti-glaucoma medications among treatment regimens. LE and RMX were as effective and safe as PDA after trabeculectomy in patients with POAG.

The reservoir effect of topical steroids in vitiliginous skin: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Prolonged and frequent use of topical steroids may lead to decrease in effi cacy as well as many local adverse effects. Stratum corneum has a unique property of reservoir effect. Aims: To study the reservoir effect of topical steroids in a steroid-responsive condition which may enable a decrease in the dosing frequency of topical steroids. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Patients with at least three vitiliginous patches of more than 2 cm2 present over the trunk or limbs were included. Exclusion criteria were topical or systemic corticosteroid use within the previous 4 weeks, antihistamine use within the previous 7 days, history of any allergy in the past and immunosuppression. Clobetasol propionate cream was applied on the fi rst vitiliginous area (site A) and fl uticasone propionate ointment was applied on the second vitiliginous area (site B). The third vitiliginous area, site C (control site) was left without applying any medication. Histamine-induced wheal suppression test was performed on each site, at the same time of the day, on every consecutive day following steroid application, until the values obtained at sites A and B approached those obtained at site C. SPSS software for Windows, version 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. The mean and standard deviation of the various studied parameters were calculated for various treatment groups and compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Results: Forty patients were included in the study. The average wheal volumes and average erythema sizes at sites A and B were signifi cantly smaller than the corresponding values at site C for up to 5 days after applying medication (P < 0.001). Limitations: The presence of a cutaneous reservoir of topical steroid was confi rmed based on its suppressive effect on the wheal and fl are response to histamine. It is not certain that the concentration that suppresses histamine-induced wheal and fl are is suffi cient for therapeutic effi cacy in vitiligo. Conclusion: The reservoir effect of topical clobetasol propionate and fl uticasone propionate persisted for 5 days in vitiliginous skin. Hence, it may be possible to reduce the frequency of topical steroid application in vitiligo.

Metasone furoate induced acneiform eruption.

Acne is the chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, characterized by the formation of comedones, erythematous papules and pustules. Steroid induced acne is an acneiform eruption characterized by sudden onset of follicular papules and pustules shortly after starting topical or oral corticosteroid. Here, we report a case of a 25-year-old female patient who presented herself to the Dermatology out-patient department with the complaints of acne all over the face after the application of mometasone furoate ointment.

The Effectiveness of Topical Steroid Instillation in Patients with Recently Developed Nasolacrimal Drainage Stenosis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of topical steroid instillation and associated factors in patients with recently developed nasolacrimal drainage stenosis. METHODS: The medical records of 108 eyes of 56 patients who received topical steroid for nasolacrimal drainage stenosis between January 2010 and June 2013 and who developed epiphora of a three-month duration were retrospectively reviewed. Evaluations were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after instillation of topical steroid. Subjective symptoms, tear meniscus height, and fluorescein dye disappearance test results were noted at every follow-up visit; nasolacrimal irrigation and canalicular probing were also performed as needed. RESULTS: The cumulative improvements were 42.0% at 1 month and 51.0% at 3 months after treatment, and the mean period of symptomatic improvement was 3.8 +/- 1.9 weeks (range, 3-12 weeks). At the final follow-up visit, 56 (51.9%) of 108 eyes showed improved epiphora. Final improvement was observed in 63% (12 of 19 eyes) of idiopathic nasolacrimal drainage stenosis patients, in 100% (10 of 10 eyes) of docetaxel-treated patients, and in 43% (34 of 79 eyes) of S-1-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Instillation of topical steroids can be effective for nasolacrimal drainage stenosis and may prevent the need for invasive surgical treatment.

Nuevo esteroide tópico en el tratamiento del edema macular / New topical steroid for the treatment of macular edema

El pilar principal de tratamiento de las inflamaciones oculares tanto postquirúrgicas como endógenas, se basa en el uso de esteroides. Aunque estos medicamentos son efectivos, su empleo no está exento de riesgos como la hipertensión ocular y la aceleración de la formación de la catarata, principalmente en el caso de los esteroides más fuertes como la prednisolona y la betametasona. Esta revisión estuvo encaminada a la profundización del conocimiento sobre la bioquímica y el desarrollo del difluprednate, nueva droga esteroidea sintética de alta potencia, cuyo uso está aprobado por la Food and Drug Administration FDA para el tratamiento del edema macular después de la cirugía del segmento anterior. Se analizaron algunos aspectos de este medicamento off-label como la farmacocinética, el metabolismo, la distribución ocular del medicamento y utilidad en las fases I, II y III de ensayos clínicos sobre su utilización en pacientes con inflamaciones posoperatorias, tanto del segmento anterior como posterior y con uveítis anterior

The main pillar of the treatment of both the postsurgical and endogenous eye inflammations is based on the use of steroids. Although these drugs are effective, their use has risks such as ocular hypertension and accelerated formation of cataracts, fundamentally in the case of stronger steroids such as prednisolone and betamethasone. This review was aimed at expanding the knowledge on biochemistry and the development of difluprednate, a new highly potent synthetic steroidal drug that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration FDA to treat macular edema after the anterior segment surgery. Some aspects of this off-label drug were analyzed such as pharmacokinetics, metabolism, ocular distribution of drug and usefulness in phases I, II and II of clinical assays on the use of these drugs in patients with postoperative inflammations both in the anterior and the posterior segments and with anterior uveitis

The Effect of Early Topical Steroid Treatment after Trans-Epithelial PRK

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effects of early topical steroid treatment on corneal epithelium healing and postoperative corneal haziness after trans-epithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans PRK). METHODS: A total of 400 eyes from 200 patients who received Trans PRK with the Schwind Amaris laser platform (SCHWIND eye-tech solutions, Kleinostheim, Germany) were included in the present study. In 200 eyes (100 patients, early treated group) topical steroid was used from operation day but in the other 200 eyes (100 patients, late treated group) topical steroid was not used until therapeutic contact lenses were removed. The epithelial healing time, corneal haziness and visual acuity at postoperative 3, and 6 months were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The therapeutic contact lenses could be removed at postoperative 3.50 +/- 1.46 days and 3.14 +/- 0.50 days in the early treated group and late treated group, respectively (p < 0.01). Breakdown of the epithelium after removal of therapeutic contact lenses occurred in 8 eyes, which were all in the early treated group. The difference of the visual acuity at postoperative 3 and 6 months between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. However, at postoperative 6 months, the corneal opacity developed in 12 eyes (6%) in the late treated group and 2 eyes (1%) in the early treated group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Early treatment with topical steroid can delay corneal epithelial healing, especially the attachment of epithelium to stroma. However, the treatment can reduce the prevalence of corneal opacity after Trans PRK.

Topical corticosteroid abuse on the face: A prospective, multicenter study of dermatology outpatients .

Background: Abuse of topical corticosteroids (TC), especially over the face, is prevalent worldwide, including in India. Data about the magnitude of this problem in our country is lacking. Aims: The aims of this study were to ascertain the demographics, magnitude and clinical features of TC misuse on the face in the dermatology outpatient department (OPD) attendees in order to raise awareness about this problem and to analyze its causes. Methods: This was a prospective multicenter questionnaire-based clinical study conducted at 12 dermatology centers nationwide. Patients with relevant facial dermatoses reporting to the investigator were asked about their current use of over-the-counter topical formulations and a structured questionnaire applied in case the same was confirmed to be TC. Results: A total of 2926 patients with facial dermatoses were screened, of which 433 (14.8%) were using TC. TC was used as a fairness/general purpose cream or aftershave in 126 (29%) and in 104 (24%) for acne. Steroid combinations were used by 258 (59.6%). Potent and super-potent TC were significantly (P = 0.05) more frequently used by the rural/suburban population. The younger age groups used more potent formulations. A non-physician recommendation for TC use was obtainable in 257 (59.3%) patients. Of these, 232 (90.3%) were for potent/super-potent steroids. Among 176 physician prescriptions, 78 (44.3%) were from non-dermatologists. All non-physician prescriptions and 146 (83%) physician prescriptions for TC were inappropriately refilled. Adverse effects were seen in 392 (90.5%) TC users. Acne/exacerbation of acne was the most common adverse effect. Conclusions: TC misuse in patients with facial dermatoses is quite common, and most of this use is unwarranted. Use as a fairness cream is the most common indication in this cohort. Limitations: This was an OPD-based study and, therefore, it may or may not accurately reflect the community data.

The Effect of the Combined Use of Immunotherapy and Topical Steroid on the Quality of Life in Allergic Rhinitis Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The management of allergic rhinitis includes allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy, and immunotherapy. Only a few studies have compared the clinical efficacy of the two treatments. We conducted a study to compare the efficacy of immunotherapy (IT), a topical steroid (TS), and combined therapy (IT+TS) in allergic rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The three groups (IT:11 patients, TS:ten patients, IT+TS:ten patients) were treated for six months and were evaluated using questionnaires and a physical exam before and after treatment. RESULT: Overall symptoms were reduced after six months of treatment in all groups. In the IT+TS group, signs and symptoms diminished more than those in the IT or TS groups. Difference in skin test sensitivity among the groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Combined use of immunotherapy and a topical steroid was more effective than either therapy alone in reducing the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Skin Care for Atopic Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Interplay of numerous constitutional and precipitating factors are involved in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). Most of these etiologic factors are not controllable, but barrier dysfunction can be managed. Correction of barrier abnormalities has been accepted as a first-line therapy with effective anti-inflammatory therapy. OBJECTIVE: We wished to establish standardized skin care guidelines for Korean patients who suffer from atopic dermatitis. METHODS: The skin care guidelines were proposed by the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA), with a particular emphasis for barrier dysfunction in AD from a review of more than 100 published studies and related documents in the clinical literature by a task force team (TFT) of the KADA. The TFT also evaluated the reliability of the studies based on scientific evidence and the size of the study populations. The TFT disregarded controversial findings and summarized all of the collected studies. RESULTS: Skin care guidelines were proposed by the KADA, particularly for barrier dysfunction in AD. A warm bath for approximately 20 minutes was recommended once daily. Soap can be used two or three times per week and aggressive skin scrubbing should be avoided. A topical moisturizer should be applied at least twice a day. Immediate application of emollient is required after bathing. The donning of clothing made of cotton is recommended. Nails should be cut short to reduce skin damage caused by a skin scratch. CONCLUSION: Application of moisturizer immediately after appropriate bathing may be the most important treatment for skin care. A topical steroid should be used whenever AD develops. Nail care and proper clothing are also be helpful for the prevention of dermatitis aggravation. Proper ways to bathe, use of moisturizer and topical steroids and nail care and appropriate clothing were considered.

Physiologic Phimosis as a Cause of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria or Aseptic Pyuria: Therapeutic Effect of Topical Steroid Therapy and Preputial Hygiene

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cause of asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB) or aseptic pyuria (AP) on physiologic phimosis and to evaluate the effect of topical steroid therapy and preputial hygiene on the resolution of AB and AP. METHODS: Ninety uncircumcised boys (age 1-72 month, median 16 month) with AB or AP were examined for physiologic phimosis and allocated by the preputial retractibility into the non-retractile group (n=59) or the retractile group (n=31). Topical steroid therapy [topical application of hydrocortisone (0.1%) cream with physiotherapy] were prescribed (three times a day) and the method of preputial hygiene (gentle retraction of prepuce and water cleansing) was instructed to the non- retractile group . After 2-4 weeks, the preputial retractibility was reevaluated and urine examination was repeated. To the retractile group, only the method of preputial hygiene was instructed and urine examination was repeated two weeks later. RESULTS: Among 90 boys with AB and AP, 65.6% (59/90) had the nonretractile prepuces and nonperformed preputial hygiene. In the nonretractile group, the prepuces became retractile in 81.4 % (48/59) after topical steroid therapy. Among boys (n=48) whose prepuces became retractile after topical steroid therapy, AB or AP resolved in 77.1%, decreased in 18.7% and persisted in 4.2%, which were significantly different to 18.2%, 2.37%, 54.5% in boys (n=11) whose prepuces were persistently nonretractile (P=0.0114). In the retractile group (n=31), 65.2% was compliant to preputial hygiene. In boys (n=23) who were compliant to preputial hygiene, AB or AP resolved in 65.2%, decreased in 26.0% and persisted in 8.2%, which were significantly different to 12.5%, 50%, 37.5% in boys (n=8) who were not compliant (P=0.0457). CONCLUSION: Physiologic phimosis was an important cause of AB or AP. Simple topical steroid therapy on the nonretractile prepuces and good preputial hygiene could improve AB or AP.

A Survey on the Topical Steroid Prescriptions of Dermatologists / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: A recent survey on dermatology outpatients, which assessed their knowledge and behavior for topical steroid use, showed that topical steroids were often used without sufficient information or guidelines. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to evaluate the general pattern of which dermatologists prescribe topical steroids, the prevalence of topical steroid phobia among the dermatology outpatients and the way dermatologists managed such patients. METHODS: 236 dermatologists, including those in private clinics and those in the secondary and tertiary hospitals, were asked via mail or e-mail to fill in a questionnaire on their topical steroid prescription. RESULTS: About sixty percent of the total respondents answered that they prescribed topical steroid to more than half of their outpatients, with excluding those patients who came to the office for cosmetic purposes. Most respondents informed their patients about their prescription of topical steroids (85.61%), they explained the mechanism of its action and the clinical effects (65%), the potency and duration of application (70%), and the side effects (82%). But most respondents forgot or did not tell their patients about their steroid formulation (46%), the optimal amount to apply (74%) and the means and duration of optimal storage (82%). 45% of the respondents assumed that more than half of the outpatients to have topical steroid phobia. Yet 80% of the respondents replied that less than 10% of their outpatients had experienced side effects of topical steroids. 73% of the respondents in private clinics and 62% in secondary and tertiary hospitals were influenced by the patients' negative attitude on topical steroid prescription. CONCLUSION: The results show that the information on topical steroids, in terms of formulation, the optimal amounts to apply and the means and duration of optimal storage, were not sufficiently provided by dermatologists. The topical steroid phobia of patients has been exaggerated despite the low incidence of side effects.

A Survey of the Awareness, Knowledge, and Behavior of Topical Steroid Use in Dermatologic Outpatients of the University Hospital / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Topical steroids are a widely used therapeutic agent in dermatology. However, little objective data has been collected in order to assess the awareness, knowledge and behavior of patients regarding the use of topical steroids. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate the current state of awareness, knowledge, and behavior of patients regarding topical steroid use. METHODS: A written questionnaire was distributed to 570 outpatients who visited the dermatologic clinics of the University Hospital. Of these, 504 were appropriate and thus were included in this study for further statistical analysis. The questionnaire consisted of 26 items concerning the overall evaluation of the awareness, and behavior of outpatients regarding their use of topical steroids. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that of 504 patients included in the analysis, 53.8% bought topical steroids with a dermatologist's prescription, whereas 33.6% obtained their topical steroids without prescription. The patient recognition rate of brand name, therapeutic effects, and side effects of topical steroids was 58%, 77% and 26%, respectively. Twenty percent of patients who have used topical steroids complained of side effects, the most common of which being pruritus (7.5% of cases). More than half of the patients said they obtained their information about topical steroids from sources other than the dermatologist. More than three quarters of patients (77%) applied topical steroids 1-2 times per day, whereas the overusers (4%) and the long-term users (16%) were applying topical steroids more than 5 times a day and longer than 16 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that topical steroids have been used without sufficient information and guidelines. Taken together, it is suggested that dermatologists should more thoroughly explain the therapeutic effects, indications, and side effects of topical steroids to their patients.

Suspected Case of Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome Due to Topical Steroid / 대한피부과학회지

Chronic exogenous steroid therapy can result in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction; this usually results from systemic steroid therapy, and is rarely associated with topical steroid therapy. We report a case of suspected iatrogenic Cushing syndrome that developed after the treatment of annular pustular psoriasis. The patient applied clobetasol-17-propionate cream (Betabate(R)) 15~30 g daily, for 4 months, without a dermatologist's prescription. After 4 months of application, the following symptoms developed; a moon face; facial flushing; hypertrichosis; central obesity; purple striae; and multiple erythematous scaly annular patches. The development of Cushing syndrome from exogenous corticosteroid treatment was supported by the typical clinical manifestations and the low basal state of the blood cortisol level, which was perhaps due to secondary suppression of the hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal axis. Steroid-containing drugs, especially during childhood, should be used with caution and monitored carefully.

Pharmacologic Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory pruritic skin disease that affects a large number of children and adults in Korea. The treatment of AD requires a comprehensive approach that includes evaluation of potential triggers and education of the patients and family members regarding proper avoidance measures. Because existing remedies for AD do not cure the disorder itself, a program of disease control and management should be pursued. Topical corticosteroids are the effective and relatively safe therapy for patients with AD, but prolonged usage can result in skin atrophy and other side-effects. The topical calcineurin inhibitors such as pimecrolimus and tacrolimus allow a steroid-free, anti-inflammatory topical therapy of AD. Occasionally, however, children afflicted with severe AD require more intensive therapies (e.g., ultraviolet light exposure systemic corticosteroids, and cyclosporine) that need close monitoring. This review focuses on the current guidelines of managing AD regarding the efficacy and safety of several pharmacologic options. Management strategies discussed include topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, antihistamines and anti-infectives. A management algorithm is also presented.

High Intraocular Pressure-induced Delayed Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

PURPOSE: To report a case of post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) delayed diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical record for an eye with delayed-onset DLK. RESULTS: In an eye treated with topical steroid eye drops after LASIK, DLK suddenly developed at 6 weeks postoperatively. No corneal epithelial defect was found, but IOP was observed to be high. Keratitis regressed as the IOP was controlled with topical antiglaucoma medications. However, DLK recurred at 3 months postoperatively with increasing IOP again caused by continued topical steroid application. Flap irrigation was performed. No microorganism was found on the interface. After discontinuation of topical steroid, IOP was lowered and DLK disappeared completely. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated IOP can be a causative factor of late-onset DLK after LASIK.

Pharmacologic Therapy of Common Allergic Diseases

No abstract available.

Effect of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs versus topical steroids after strabismus surgery

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) with topical steroid in conjunctival inflammation, wound healing, and intraocular pressure when used after strabismus surgery. METHODS: Twenty five patients who received bilateral horizontal rectus muscle recession were selected. 0.1% prednisolone acetate (Optilon(R), Chongkundang Pharma Corporation) was applied to the right eye of each patient and 0.1% pranoprofen (Pranopulon(R), Choongwae Pharmacology Corporation) was applied to the left eye four times a day after surgery. Both eyes were compared at one day, 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after surgery to measure the extent of inflammation (injection, chemosis, discharge), pain and conjunctival incisional healing. The intraocular pressure was compared at the day before surgery and 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The steroid group showed earlier improvement of inflammation and pain and faster conjunctival incisional healing than the NSAID group (p>0.1). The steroid group showed a significantly higher IOP than the NSAIDs group throughout the periods (p<0.001), and showed a progressive increasement in IOP during the study periods (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Topical NSAIDs were proved to be as effective as topical steroids in controlling inflammation and pain, and in the healing of conjunctival wounds. In addition, topical NSAIDs showed no side effect of increasing IOP. Therefore, topical NSAIDs may be a safe alternative to topical steroids after strabismus surgery in children who have difficulty in measuring IOP.

A Case of Steroid-induced Atrophy of External Genitalia / 대한소아내분비학회지

Skin atrophy is one of the most common side effects of topical steroid use and results from decreased skin proalphaI collagen mRNA production due to specific alterations in collagen gene transcription or from reduced collagen mRNA stability. This report describes a case of a 8 year-old-girl who visited our hospital with a complaint of ambiguous genitalia. She was observed to have atrophic labia majora and atrophic striae resembling scrotal rugae. However, her serum levels of FSH, LH, 17-KS, 17-OHCS, 5-DHT, DHT and DHEA-S were all in normal range and her karyotype was 46,XX. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasonogram showed a normal uterus and ovaries. Careful history taking revealed frequent use of steroid ointment due to vulvar pruritus for 2 years and she was finally diagnosed to have atrophy of external genitalia induced by long-term use of topical steroid.