What effect do steroids have on the epidermis?

The effect of steroids on the epidermis primarily involves inhibition of mitosis. Steroids, particularly corticosteroids, have a well-documented ability to suppress the proliferation of various cell types, including keratinocytes, which are the predominant cells in the epidermis. This suppression leads to a slowing down of the normal regenerative processes of the skin, which can hinder wound healing and repair mechanisms.

When steroids are applied topically or administered systemically, they can decrease the cellular turnover rate in the epidermis. Consequently, this impact may result in thinning of the skin (atrophy) over time, as the balance between cell production and cell death is disrupted. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the negative influence that steroids can have on the growth and turnover of epidermal cells, which is critically important in the context of wound healing and skin integrity.