A 12-year-old child has extensive psoriatic lesions covering his back. Which topical therapy used continuously could prevent him from reaching his adult height?

Clobetasol propionate is a potent topical corticosteroid that can lead to systemic absorption, particularly in children or when used over large surface areas, such as when treating extensive psoriatic lesions. Continuous use of high-potency corticosteroids like clobetasol can result in suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which can interfere with normal growth and development in children. This suppression may result in reduced growth and ultimately affect the child's adult height, making it critical to monitor growth patterns while using such medications, especially for prolonged periods.

In contrast, medications like salicylic acid, calcipotriene, and calcitriol do not carry the same risks of systemic absorption and HPA axis suppression in children. Salicylic acid is primarily a keratolytic agent that works by exfoliating the skin and is not associated with growth inhibition. Calcipotriene and calcitriol, both vitamin D analogs, are used in the treatment of psoriasis, and while they can have some adverse effects, they are less likely to impact growth compared to a high-potency corticosteroid like clobetasol.

Therefore, due to the potency and potential systemic effects of clobetasol propionate