<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> A child sexual abuse (CSA) incident never comes into limelight unless it is a rape, probably because it could be an asymptomatic event causing only an emotional trauma or due to fear of revealing. It has been observed that sexually transmitted infections (STI) are in increasing trend among adolescents due to early sexual maturity, increased promiscuity and sexual offenses.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> An observational cross-sectional study was carried out for a group of 774 school children between the age group of 14-17 years using a structured questionnaire to estimate the level of unreported child sexual abuse and sexual awareness. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out in this study (SPSS 21.0).<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> It was observed that 5.5% of children had been abused among which 37.3 % and 62.7% were males and females respectively. 11.1% and 6.25% were abused in penetrative, 59.25% and 43.75% in non-penetrative forms among female and male victims respectively. Abusers were mainly family and friends (25.5%) followed by strangers (23.2%). 25.3% of unaffected and 27.9% of affected was aware of POSCO law. 88.3% of affected and 62.3% of unaffected rated good and above for the questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Unreported and silent victims have to be identified and addressed to prevent crimes and provide a safer environment for children. Implementation of POCSO law at the root level with sex education must be strengthened. Our study concluded that CSA is an extensive problem and even the lowest prevalence includes a huge number of victims who still need to be considered.</p>

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Abuse of topical corticosteroids (TCs), especially over the face, is prevalent worldwide with India as no exception. Lack of adequate specialist services, the practice of self-medication and easy access over the counter (OTC) has resulted in widespread abuse. Aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of topical steroid abuse and its diverse cutaneous side effects in commercial sex workers.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among commercial sex workers (both females and transgender) attending the STI clinic in the study institution for 6 months. A semi-structured questionnaire was given and type of steroid cream used, frequency, duration, the reason for application and source of information for its use were recorded. Clinical patterns of side-effects were noted. Clinical photographs were taken. Descriptive statistical analysis was done, (SPSS 21.0).<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of the total 180 commercial sex workers (CSWs), 80 were transgender and 100 were females. The most common steroid used was betamethasone valerate followed by the triple regimen containing mometasone. The reasons for TCs use were fairness (72%) followed by melasma (18%) and acne (10%). Side effects were seen in 77.5% of transgender and 66% of female CSWs. Common side effects noted were erythema (40%), acne (26%) and, pigmentation (18%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The main reason for TCs abuse in our country as a fairness agent is obsessiveness with fair skin colour. Various studies on TCs abuse were done in the general population but none of the studies focuses on a particular group as in this study.</p>

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