Final answer:
Rare systemic side-effects from topical corticosteroids can range from fatigue, fever, and joint pain to more severe issues like decreased kidney function, memory loss, and depression. These effects occur due to absorption into the bloodstream, which can suppress the immune system and lead to various health concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Systemic side-effects from topical corticosteroids, although rare, can include a variety of symptoms that affect different parts of the body. When these medications are absorbed into the bloodstream, they can potentially lead to fatigue, fever, and joint pain and swelling. Additional side-effects may involve hair loss, anemia, clotting issues, a sunlight-sensitive "butterfly" rash typically associated with lupus, slow-healing skin lesions, and photosensitivity. Severe cases can cause decreased kidney function, memory loss, confusion, and depression.
Topical corticosteroids like hydrocortisone act by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. This can alleviate symptoms such as itching and rashes. The suppression of the immune system, however, increases susceptibility to infections and potentially exacerbates conditions where the rate of autoinfection is a concern.
Choice of a topical corticosteroid should be made with an understanding of the potential for severe systemic side-effects, especially when used over extensive body areas, in very high potencies, or for prolonged periods.