Final answer:
Atrophy in intertriginous areas, cutaneous fungal infections, and acne rosacea are potential adverse effects of chronic use of higher-potency topical corticosteroids. These effects result from the skin's reduced ability to repair and defend itself due to the immunosuppressive properties of corticosteroids.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chronic use of higher-potency topical corticosteroids can result in several adverse effects. One potential adverse effect of such prolonged use is atrophy in intertriginous areas. This condition occurs due to the thinning of the skin that arises from the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermal layer, which can be exacerbated by the chronic use of potent corticosteroids.
Another potential issue is cutaneous fungal infection, which may be a result of the immunosuppressive effect of the corticosteroids, as these drugs can reduce the skin's ability to fight off opportunistic pathogens such as Candida. Acne rosacea can also be exacerbated or triggered by long-term corticosteroid use, as these medications may affect the immune response and cause dilation of blood vessels leading to the characteristic symptoms of rosacea. Although not listed as an option, epidermal sloughing is generally not a side effect associated with corticosteroid use.