Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are widely used for various skin conditions. Although safe when used appropriately, misuse and abuse of TCs could result in local and systemic side effects. [1][2][3] Reports of misuse and abuse resulting in serious adverse outcomes have been reported in India 4-7) and Africa 8) owing to the high availability of over-the-counter (OTC) TCs. 7,8) In South Korea, TCs with various potencies are available without a prescription. Additionally, there is an increasing global trend of self-medication, 9) and TCs are one of the most used therapeutics for self-medication against dermatological conditions. 10,11) Thus, it is important that the public have appropriate knowledge regarding the TCs.To our knowledge, no study has assessed the public awareness and knowledge of TCs at a national level. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate the nationwide awareness and knowledge of TCs in South Korea and analyze the potential for misuse and abuse of TCs.

Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are widely used for various skin conditions. Although safe when used appropriately, misuse and abuse of TCs could result in local and systemic side effects. [1][2][3] Reports of misuse and abuse resulting in serious adverse outcomes have been reported in India 4-7) and Africa 8) owing to the high availability of over-the-counter (OTC) TCs. 7,8) In South Korea, TCs with various potencies are available without a prescription. Additionally, there is an increasing global trend of self-medication, 9) and TCs are one of the most used therapeutics for self-medication against dermatological conditions. 10,11) Thus, it is important that the public have appropriate knowledge regarding the TCs.To our knowledge, no study has assessed the public awareness and knowledge of TCs at a national level. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate the nationwide awareness and knowledge of TCs in South Korea and analyze the potential for misuse and abuse of TCs.