The Dangers of Misuse of Corticosteroid Drugs in Treating Superficial Fungal Infections: Presentation of a Case Series for Stricter Policy Regulation

Skin fungal infections are a significant global issue and have raised concerns about the effectiveness and appropriateness of using corticosteroids for treatment. This article analyzed 10 case reports of patients in Bangladesh who either received incorrect prescriptions or self-medicated with different forms of corticosteroids for fungal skin infections. These cases clearly showed the widespread misuse of corticosteroids, resulting in the worsening of fungal infections and posing more health risks. There is an urgent call for improved education for patients, village doctors/medical assistants, and healthcare providers to reduce corticosteroid misuse by promoting proper diagnosis and treatment protocols. Suggestions include using specific, single-agent topical treatments, enforcing strict regulations, and individualizing prescription durations to optimize patient outcomes and minimize the risks associated with corticosteroid misuse in managing fungal skin infections.