Use of harmful steroidal lotions rampant in India

Dec-2015

Misuse of steroidal lotions and skin creams which is harmful and now is out-of-control, a study published in The BMJ by a Gujarat-based dermatologist warned. Application of corticosteroid containing skin formulations in the face and groin can cause pigmentation and skin breakdown, bacterial and/or fungal infections which may lead to development of treatment-resistant infections and small and widened blood vessel in the skin.
 
The study included 2926 skin patients, among whom, 433 patients were on topical steroids and 392 patients suffered harmful side effects. The study was conducted in 2013. The aim of the study was to educate all specialty physicians and to make informed decision about topical corticosteroids use.
 
Although, certain corticosteroids are being dispensed as prescription-only, topical steroids can be purchased over-the-counter. These issues can lead to irrational drug use and public healthcare problem.