Topical corticosteroid phobia is an interesting phenomenon recently mentioned often in the literature. It is characterized by an irrational fear and anxiety of patients about using topical corticosteroid preparations and may be associated with confusion and lack of knowledge regarding potency and indications for use of various groups of these widely used in dermatological practice topical drugs. So called "steroid phobia" may be additionally augmented by media. The aim of this study was to investigate the problem of corticosteroid phobia in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, attending Allergic Diseases Diagnostic Center of the Department of Dermatology, University of Medical Sciences in Poznań. The study revealed confusion and anxiety among the AD patients about topical corticosteroid therapy. More than half of AD patients felt uncertain about using topical steroid preparations and had little knowledge regarding their potency and side effects, especially in case of drugs used less frequently. One of the most important sources of information about corticosteroids was doctor's consultation. It seems that proper education of patients provided by health care staff might improve clinical efficacy of treatment and patients' compliance.