Topical corticosteroid abuse on the face: a prospective, study on outpatients of dermatology

Abstract

Introduction: Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are widely misused. Uncontrolled use of steroids can cause undesirable adverse effects especially on face. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the skin manifestations of TCS misuse over the face in the patients attending dermatology outpatient and to analyze various factors contributing to such misuse. Methods and Methods: A total of 200 patients with facial dermatoses using topical steroids over face for minimum period of 1 month, reported between June 2010 and May 2011 were enrolled in the study. Details about the usage of topical corticosteroids and their side effects were recorded. The patients were educated about the misuse. Results: Majority of the patients were females (71%). The most common reason for misuse was acne (61%) followed by use as a fairness cream (23%). The average duration of usage was 6 months to 1 year, longest being 8 years. The drug most commonly misused was Betamethaone Valerate (71%). The commonest side effect noted was acne form eruptions (52%) followed by steroid dependent face (SDF) (36%). There were no cases of allergic contact dermatitis or perioral dermatitis. The exacerbation of the lesions on stoppage of steroid cream (90%) fairness effect (10%) were the reasons for continued use. (100%) were unaware of side effects of topical steroids. Conclusions: Steroids have been misused by patients on their own or by doctors for various reasons. Hence the awareness about their correct usage is essential.

The global prevalence and correlates of skin bleaching: a meta‐analysis and meta‐regression analysis

“…On the other hand, skin bleacher‐specific prevalences refer to the demographic characteristics of skin bleachers and hence apply specifically to skin bleaching practitioners (agents used, age groups, educational level, relationship/marital status, employment status, and residential area). In order to avoid potential inflation of population prevalences, studies presenting data on purposively sampled skin bleachers (lifetime prevalence ≈100%) were not included in estimating population prevalences. They were also omitted from the meta‐regression analysis.…”

Study on Steroid Utilization Pattern in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

“…[5][6] Also, it's inappropriate use in the treatment of various dermatological disorders like acne, bacterial or fungal infections, and rash by non-registered practitioners or on the advice of pharmacist or chemist shops is a major concern. [7][8] This will increase the adverse effects and can lead to dependence on these medications. So, urgent steps are required to eliminate the root of this problem at the earliest.…”

Topical Corticosteroids - A Great Challenge to Avoid Misuse on Face

“…[9] In our study females' outnumbered males, this is in accordance with other studies. [10,11] In our study, maximum number of patients belonged to the age group of 11-20 years, while some studies shows 20-30 year age group more prone for TCS abuse . Acne was the most common indication of steroid application; hence, the predominance of younger age group in our study is easily explained and this is also reported in a study by Manchanda et al [12] Most of the subjects were using potent TCs in our study, which is in concordance with prior studies from other countries.…”