The study on clinical pattern of topical steroid induced dermatoses

Authors

  • Prabhu SR Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
  • Patel VR Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
  • Naveen KN
  • Athanikar SB Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
  • Madhusudhana M Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v32i1.1827

Abstract

Background Corticosteroids misuse and overuse leads to many cutaneous adverse effects mainly on face.

 

Objective To study the various clinical changes associated with steroid induced dermatoses.

 

Methods Cross sectional study of 300 patients presenting with dermatoses secondary to topical corticosteroid application attending dermatology OPD at our tertiary care centre during the period of one year from November 2018 to October 2019 was done. A detailed history including characteristics of topical corticosteroid use, duration of use, prescription source and adverse effects were thoroughly evaluated.  A thorough examination of the patient, detailed cutaneous examination by a dermatologist including skin biopsies were performed when necessary. Photographs of the patient were taken.

 

Results In our study 52.7% were female patients and the rest were males. Majority belonged to the age group of 15 -30 years (50.7%). The commonest chief complaint was itching (75.7%), with the commonest site affected being groin (63.3%), followed by face (33%). The commonest of prescription was from quacks (27%), followed by pharmacists (19.3%) with the commonest underlying condition for which topical steroids were prescribed was dermatophytoses (71%). Minimum duration of abuse was 2 days and maximum 2 years.

 

Conclusion In our study, younger individuals of both genders were affected. Groin and face were the commonly affected sites with itching and burning sensation being the most common complaints. Most common adverse effects were scaling (69.3%) followed by hyperpigmentation (16.7%). Clobetasol propionate (56.3%) with other components (antifungal and antibiotic) was the mostly abused topical steroid by predominantly quacks, pharmacist and other practitioners for dermatophytoses (71%). Based on the above observations of topical steroid abuse, it is imperative to make an effort for its legal and ethical use through proper prescriptions. It is very essential to educate and counsel the patient about the significance of its proper use, the harm from its overuse and the danger of it’s over the counter use especially as a cosmetic agent.

Author Biographies

  • Naveen KN

    Professor and Head, Department of Dermatology

  • Athanikar SB, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India

    Professor

  • Madhusudhana M, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India

    Postgraduate student

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Published

29.03.2022

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 1 (2022): January - March

Section

Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2022 Prabhu SR, Patel VR, Naveen KN, Athanikar SB, Madhusudhana M

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How to Cite

1.
The study on clinical pattern of topical steroid induced dermatoses. J Pak Assoc Dermatol [Internet]. 2022 Mar. 29 [cited 2026 Oct. 4];32(1):136-41. Available from: https://www.jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/1827