In dermatology, topical corticosteroids (TC) are frequently used agents. Non-dermatologists and the general public alike believe they are a cure-all for all skin ailments, and they are frequently abused as fairness creams, causing a wide range of cutaneous and systemic side effects.

Poor health infrastructure, a lack of adequate specialist services, self-medication, affordability, and easy access to over-the-counter (OTC) medication have all contributed to widespread TC abuse. However, the issue of side effects has become a major concern as a result of the widespread and widespread misuse of TC, particularly by non-dermatologists. The majority of the time, they are prescribed by general practitioners, followed by recommendations from friends and, in a small percentage of cases, by pharmacists.  And the least commonly prescribed by dermatologists.

Here are some of the Dermatological adverse effects of topical corticosteroids abuse that we see every day: Tinea incognito, cutaneous atrophy, acne, perioral dermatitis, rosacea, telangiectasia, hypopigmentation, striae and hypertrichosis.

Abdiaziz Mohamed, MD