Topical corticosteroids are commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders, such as allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. However, while they are effective in the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis, their efficacy in irritant contact dermatitis has been questioned. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to determine the efficacy of these agents in irritant dermatitis. We conclude that, currently, there is insufficient evidence for the effectiveness of topical corticosteroids in the treatment of acute or cumulative irritant dermatitis, and they may even exacerbate the effects of some corrosive irritants, raising concern about the widespread use of topical corticosteroids as a treatment for ICD.