Misuse of topical corticosteroids on facial skin. A study of 200 patients

Background: Topical corticosteroids have become available as over the counter drugs and are widely misused for various conditions.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the clinical and epidemiological aspects of the unjustified use of topical corticosteroids for facial skin.

Methods: A total of 200 patients with facial dermatoses and topical corticosteroid misapplication daily over face for not less than 30 days were included in the study. This was a prospective study conducted in a tertiary care dermatology outpatient centre of the Jammu region. A detailed clinical history regarding topical corticosteroid use was taken and adverse effects analysed.

Results: A total of 166 patients were women and 34 were men. The predominant age was 31-40 years. A total of 170 patients (85%) were in the age group of 21-50 years. Duration of application was over 1 month up to 3 years, daily. Betamethasone or clobetasol ointments were used in 75 patients (37.5%) and momatasone was used in 15 patients (7.5%). Indication for using steroids were: general / cosmetic purposes (72 patients; 36.0%), acne (59; 29.5%), hyperpigmentation (41; 20.5%), tinea (6; 3%), undiagnosed dermatoses (28; 14.0%). The use of corticosteroids was attributed to the advice of pharmacists (69; 34.5%), friends and relatives (61; 30.5%), cosmetologists (22; 11.0%), non-dermatology physicians (30; 15.0%) and dermatologists (18; 9%). Adverse effects included acneiform lesions, telengiectasias, dyspigmentation, hypertrichosis, perioral dermatitis and tinea incognito. A total of 89 (44.5%) patients fulfilled the criteria of "topical steroid dependent face". These patients reported erythema, burning and itching on stopping the application of topical corticosteroids.

Conclusion: In most cases the use prolonged use of topical corticosteroids on facial skin was recommended by non-professional persons. The adverse events ranged from transient to permanent. The results of this study underline the indispensable role of dermatology specialists in diagnosing and treating cutaneous disorders.