The rampant “mis”use of topical cortisone(steroid) creams is extremely alarming to say the least.
Daily in my clinical practice I see patients who have self-treated themselves with these OTC creams either on the advice of their friendly pharmacist or have been prescribed these creams by Non dermatologists for skin conditions in which these creams worsen and complicate matters.
Topical steroid creams are a valuable resource in the treatment of many inflammatory skin disorders but in the hands of the untrained they are a bane- not a boon.
Amongst others, to give an example, in recent times Fungal Skin infections have become increasingly resistant to treatment even with oral medications. The patients usually present to the skin clinic after months or sometimes even years of usage of topical steroid creams which mask the symptoms of the infection initially, only to cause a flareup later, leading to a vicious cycle of continuous steroid usage to the detriment of their skin health.
It is very distressing to see the skin thinning, the stretchmarks and the skin discoloration-to list just a few of the many adverse reactions which result from this misuse. In extreme cases, such misuse can lead to serious health issues like hormonal problems, growth retardation, glaucoma and delayed wound healing.
There is poor awareness amongst the general public regarding the risks of such medications.
Extremely potent steroids are even used on the face by ladies who are promised a quick whitening effect with their use leading to an addictive effect.
The only solution is that the Pharmacies should be stopped from dispensing topical steroid creams over the counter. These medications should be dispensed only with a prescription from a qualified medical practitioner. Just like antibiotic stewardship it is high time that Topical Corticosteroid stewardship should be put in place by the concerned Authorities.
