Background: Glucocorticoids are medications derived from cortisol with wide biological actions. In Dermatology they have been used broadly, and in recent years we have observed an alarming increase in their use in General medicine with consequences evident in our daily dermatological consultation. Skin atrophy, telangiectasia, corticoid related acne, striae, and iatrogenic Cushing syndrome have become an alert for dermatologist for the need of limiting their prescription in inexperienced hands, as there is no limit or regulation for acquiring high potency corticosteroids. Objective: To study the frequency of prescription of corticosteroids and medical consultation data related to topical corticosteroids. Material and methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was done by a survey directed to 55 general physicians of different offices, associated to drugstores, independent or from Health Centers, established at Acapulco, Guerrero. Questions specified the number of general consultations at week, how many of them were due to dermatological diseases, the frequency of prescription of topical corticosteroids of mild or high potency (betamethasone, fluocinolone, clobetasol), and if length of treatment was specified. Results: From the surveyed physicians, 33 included some topical corticosteroid of mild or high potency in 1 to 10% of their prescriptions and mentioned that they did specify length of treatment to their patients in 78% of cases. Among the diseases against corticosteroids were given most frequently are: dermatitis (not specified), atopic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, diaper dermatitis, urticaria, mycosis (not specified), psoriasis, acne, prurigo by insects or other dermatosis. Most physicians who give topical corticosteroids against several dermatological illnesses are in offices associated to drugstores and, in second place, they are independent. Conclusions: Prescription of corticosteroids is a very useful therapeutic action in the medical practice, specifically in Dermatology; however, it should be done with responsibility, including to inform to the patient about the importance of following medical indications, for which, physician must explain widely the benefits and the potential risks in case of not administering the drug as indicated, because corticosteroids are not medications that should be recommended freely, due to their risks and side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]