Topical corticosteroid: development and evolution -- Topical corticosteroid: pharmacology -- Dermatological indications and usage of topical corticosteroid -- Ethical use of topical corticosteroids -- Topical corticosteroid during pregnancy: Indications, safety and precautions -- Topical corticosteroid during breast feeding: Pros and cons -- Topical corticosteroid: Use and misuse in pediatric age group -- Topical steroid as cosmetic cream: A social background of steroid dermatitis -- Rational and ethical use of topical corticosteroids based on safety and efficacy -- Topical steroid damaged face topical steroid damaged groin Topical steroid damaged skin -- The red skin syndromes -- Topical steroid abuse: Indian perspective -- Topical steroid abuse across the globe -- Systemic side-effects of topical corticosteroids -- Topical corticosteroid addiction and phobia -- Side-effects of topical steroids -- Treatment of topical steroid damaged skin -- Topical steroids: Regulatory issues.

This treatise aims to fill up the lacuna and to contribute significantly to the dissemination of knowledge about the indication/contraindication, mechanism of action, ethical use, side-effects and various other facets related to topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids (TC) have greatly enhanced dermatologists' ability to effectively treat several difficult dermatoses. The available range of formulations and potencies allows them to flexibly treat all groups of patients, different phases of disease, and different anatomic sites. Improper/incomplete knowledge about topical corticosteroids' mechanism of action, indications, classifications, and contraindications has produced a rapid rise in the incidence of improper use of these drugs, which could potentially bring disrepute to this entire group of amazing drugs. Responsibility for disseminating proper knowledge regarding when, where, and how to use TC both to internists and patients primarily rests with dermatologists. In this regard, the benefits of rational and ethical use and the potential harm of overuse and misuse for nonmedical, especially cosmetic purposes, should be clearly conveyed before prescribing TC.