Audit of prescribing practices of topical corticosteroids in outpatient dermatology clinics in north Palestine.

To analyse the prescribing pattern of topical corticosteroids, 802 outpatient dermatology prescriptions were randomly collected during June 2003-September 2003 from all the 12 nongovernmental dermatological clinics in north Palestine. Of the 2458 medications prescribed, 616 were topical corticosteroids. In most prescriptions, information about strength, duration of treatment and quantity to be used was inadequate, while information regarding frequency, route and area of application was adequate. High efficacy and highest efficacy corticosteroids were prescribed for approximately 18% of patients; intermediate efficacy preparations were prescribed for approximately 50%.