A corticosteroid cream or ointment might be the first treatment you try for plaque psoriasis. Topical steroids are often a doctor's go-to because they're safe and they work, but they're not your only ... Corticosteroids can treat many causes of inflammation in your body.

Understanding the Context

They’re also known as glucocorticoids or the shortened name steroids. Your provider might give you a steroid via an injection, a cream for your skin or a medication you take orally. Talk to your provider about potential side effects before starting a new corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are steroid hormones that are either produced by the body or are man-made.

Key Insights

Systemic corticosteroids refer to corticosteroids that are given orally or by injection and distribute throughout the body. Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates, and also their synthetic analogues. Corticosteroid medicines include cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone, among others. They help treat rashes, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and several other conditions. They can reduce inflammation, suppress overactive immune system responses, and help with hormonal imbalances.

Final Thoughts

Corticosteroids are fast-acting in the body, which makes them useful for treating... Technically speaking, the term “corticosteroids” refers to a group of hormones produced by your adrenal glands (the glands at the top of each kidney) as well as closely related substances made in... For certain chronic conditions, like multiple sclerosis or asthma, low-dose oral or inhaled corticosteroids can be used safely on an ongoing basis. 1. This article discusses corticosteroids, how they work to relieve inflammation, and what they are used to treat.