CUSHINGS-SYNDROME FROM TOPICAL GLUCOCORTICOIDS

A case of Cushing's syndrome is described in a woman who self-treated psoriasis with a variety of potent topical glucocorticoids over 15 yea rs. She was successfully weaned off corticosteroids and was treated wi th alternative anti-psoriatic drugs. The disappearance, nine months la ter, of most features of Cushing's syndrome, and the normal suppressio n of cortisol in response to dexamethasone, excluded endogenous hyperc orticolism. The apparent widespread availability across the counter of potent corticosteroids is a cause for concern.