Topical Steroid: A Study on Awareness, Misuse and Perceptions Among Patients and Pharmacists

Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are commonly prescribed for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Despite their effectiveness, prolonged or improper use can lead to adverse effects like skin thinning, steroid-induced dermatitis, and systemic complications such as adrenal suppression. A study was conducted to assess awareness, misuse, and perceptions of TCs among 114 participants, including patients, pharmacists, and doctors. The results revealed significant gaps in knowledge and usage patterns. While 62% of participants had prior awareness of TCs, 37% lacked sufficient understanding, leading to misuse in 21.1% of cases. Common causes of misuse included a lack of awareness, pressure for quick results, and misleading advice from non-professionals. Notably, 17% of respondents admitted to unsupervised use, highlighting the need for better guidance from healthcare providers. Only 34.2% of participants felt adequately informed by healthcare professionals about the safe use of TCs. The study emphasized the importance of targeted education initiatives, such as awareness campaigns and patient workshops, to promote informed and safe usage. Furthermore, enhancing communication between healthcare providers and patients is critical to addressing misconceptions and preventing misuse. The findings underline the need for public awareness campaigns, improved prescription practices, and better access to accurate information to ensure the safe and effective use of topical steroids.