Corticosteroids are strongly contraindicated for topical application to the face, because of the risk of glaucoma. Systemic (that is, oral/intravenous for full

Corticosteroids are strongly contraindicated for topical application to the face, because of the risk of glaucoma. Systemic (that is, oral/intravenous for full-body effect) corticosteroid use doesn't usually have this specific side effect. The side-effects of corticosteroids are generally No Fun Whatosever (I speak both as a former pharmacist and as someone who has needed them on occasion) but they're the go-to treatment for some very unpleasant inflammatory conditions. But you should remember that they're immune system depressants and should never be used without medical supervision. (Side effects range from glaucoma leading to blindness -- for misuse of topical creams on the face -- through to sudden death -- for abrupt withdrawl from prolonged systemic doses.)