Dermatologists often become aware that their patients are misusing topical corticosteroids. When patients misuse topical corticosteroids, which are used for a variety of dermatological diseases, they report an array of side effects, according to a recent study by Manchanda and colleagues.1
Often, prolonged use of topical corticosteroids over the face can cause various side effects such as steroid rosacea, acneiform eruptions, and hypertrichosis. In order to examine the effects, researchers observed 100 patients who presented with various facial dermatoses following the misuse of topical corticosteroids on the face. The majority of patients who were observed were females (70%) between the ages of 11-20 years. Of the patients examined, 85% were applying topical cortecosteroids for various medical conditions, with acne being the most common indication, and the other patients were applying it as a general face cream.
The most common side effects reported were pruritus and acneiform. Additional side effects included erythema, photosensitivity, steroid dependent face, and telangiectasia. There is a need for increased awareness for both the patient and doctor regarding the proper use of topical corticosteroids, concluded the researchers.
—Julie Gould
Reference:
1. Manchanda K, Mohanty S, Rohatgi PC. Misuse of Topical corticosteroids over face: A clinical study [published online May 11, 2017]. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2017(8)3:186-191. DOI: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_535_15.
Dermatologists often become aware that their patients are misusing topical corticosteroids. When patients misuse topical corticosteroids, which are used for a variety of dermatological diseases, they report an array of side effects, according to a recent study by Manchanda and colleagues.1
Often, prolonged use of topical corticosteroids over the face can cause various side effects such as steroid rosacea, acneiform eruptions, and hypertrichosis. In order to examine the effects, researchers observed 100 patients who presented with various facial dermatoses following the misuse of topical corticosteroids on the face. The majority of patients who were observed were females (70%) between the ages of 11-20 years. Of the patients examined, 85% were applying topical cortecosteroids for various medical conditions, with acne being the most common indication, and the other patients were applying it as a general face cream.
The most common side effects reported were pruritus and acneiform. Additional side effects included erythema, photosensitivity, steroid dependent face, and telangiectasia. There is a need for increased awareness for both the patient and doctor regarding the proper use of topical corticosteroids, concluded the researchers.
—Julie Gould
Reference:
1. Manchanda K, Mohanty S, Rohatgi PC. Misuse of Topical corticosteroids over face: A clinical study [published online May 11, 2017]. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2017(8)3:186-191. DOI: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_535_15.
Dermatologists often become aware that their patients are misusing topical corticosteroids. When patients misuse topical corticosteroids, which are used for a variety of dermatological diseases, they report an array of side effects, according to a recent study by Manchanda and colleagues.1
Often, prolonged use of topical corticosteroids over the face can cause various side effects such as steroid rosacea, acneiform eruptions, and hypertrichosis. In order to examine the effects, researchers observed 100 patients who presented with various facial dermatoses following the misuse of topical corticosteroids on the face. The majority of patients who were observed were females (70%) between the ages of 11-20 years. Of the patients examined, 85% were applying topical cortecosteroids for various medical conditions, with acne being the most common indication, and the other patients were applying it as a general face cream.
The most common side effects reported were pruritus and acneiform. Additional side effects included erythema, photosensitivity, steroid dependent face, and telangiectasia. There is a need for increased awareness for both the patient and doctor regarding the proper use of topical corticosteroids, concluded the researchers.
—Julie Gould
Reference:
1. Manchanda K, Mohanty S, Rohatgi PC. Misuse of Topical corticosteroids over face: A clinical study [published online May 11, 2017]. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2017(8)3:186-191. DOI: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_535_15.
