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Steroid atrophy in Adult
See also in: External and Internal Eye
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Steroid atrophy in Adult

See also in: External and Internal Eye
Contributors: Rajini Murthy MD, Lindy P. Fox MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Steroid atrophy presents as thinning of the skin and results from exposure to corticosteroids. Localized thinning occurs following the direct application of topical agents to the skin. Localized subcutaneous atrophy is one of the most common adverse effects of intramuscular corticosteroids. Atrophied skin may also be found over areas where intralesional steroids have been injected. Generalized thinning can occur as the result of long-term oral or inhaled steroid use, or from Cushing disease. Steroid atrophy can be seen as early as 1 week after starting superpotent topical steroids under occlusion and as soon as 2 weeks with less potent agents. Striae can also occur in thinned skin.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L90.9 – Atrophic disorder of skin, unspecified

SNOMEDCT:
79983002 – Steroid atrophy

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Therapy

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References

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Last Reviewed:01/26/2025
Last Updated:01/27/2025
Copyright © 2025 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Steroid atrophy in Adult
See also in: External and Internal Eye
A medical illustration showing key findings of Steroid atrophy : Ecchymosis, Striae
Clinical image of Steroid atrophy - imageId=87413. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A shiny, atrophic plaque in the antecubital fossa and surrounding white and brightly erythematous, curvilinear plaques (striae).'
A shiny, atrophic plaque in the antecubital fossa and surrounding white and brightly erythematous, curvilinear plaques (striae).
Copyright © 2025 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.