MAGNITUDE, CHARACTERISTICS AND CONSEQUENCES OF TOPICAL STEROID MISUSE AMONG DERMATOLOGY OUTPATIENTS IN RURAL NORTH INDIA: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors: Dr. Vikram Singh Dhapola, Dr. Bhavana Srivastava, Dr. Preeti, Dr. Prerna Singh
Publication Date: 2026/09/23
DOI: 10.59551/10.59551/IJHMP/25832069/2026.7.2.159
Abstract
<p>Introduction: Irrational use of Topical Corticosteroid (TC) is quite common in India due to unrestricted availability and use of TC not only by public but also by physicians and chemists due to quick relief of symptoms in different dermatological conditions. Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate and analyse the prevalence of misuse of TC and the causes behind misuse of TC among patients in a dermatology outpatient department in district Almora, Uttarakhand. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational questionnaire-based study conducted over a period of 6 months (1st July 2025 to 31st December 2025). Patients were questioned and assessed for misuse of TCs in terms of indication, dose, frequency, duration, adverse effect and source of recommendation of TC. Result: Out of 243 patient’s majority over half were females and less than 27 years of age, residing in urban area. Approximately half of them were home maker. In terms of the association of duration of use of different topical steroids among the participants it was found to be insignificant. Papule and erythema were the most common adverse effect among the patients. Source of advice for initiation of TS application was majorly Pharmacist/ O.T.C drugs (46.05%). Dermatologists contributed only 3.29% to the source. Most common indication for which TS were used was acne (39.50%) Conclusion: Inappropriate topical corticosteroid use is a common problem due to its easy accessibility, resulting in several difficult-to-treat cutaneous adverse effects.</p>
References
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