Abstract
Objectives: To determine the frequency of use of topical steroids by acne patients and to observe various
cutaneous side effects in these patients.
Study Design: Descriptive study
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Dermatology out patient department, Pakistan Railway
Hospital, Rawalpindi from February 15 to April 15, 2012. Total 110 patients were enrolled in the study. All the
patients were having clinical diagnosis of acne vulgaris. Patients of both genders with age range of 13- 35 years
were included in the study. Frequency of patients using topical steroids to treat acne was calculated and
cutaneous side effects of topical steroids were noted.
Results: Out of 110 patients of acne, 76 were females (69%) & 34 were males (31%).Age range of patients was
from 13 to 35 years. Topical steroids were used by 68 patients (62%) with acne vulgaris. Mean duration of
application of topical steroids ranged from 2weeks to 5months. Most commonly used steroid was
betamethasone valerate(62%), followed by clobetasol propionate(29%) and flucinolone acetonide(8%). Out of
68 patients using topical steroids cutaneous side effects were seen in 50 patients in the form of aggravation of
existing lesions in 18 patients(36%), perioral dermatitis 12 patients(24%), telangiectasias 8 patients(16%),
increased facial hair growth 7 patients(14%), tinea incognito in 3 patients(6%) and acne rosacea in 2
patients(4%).
Conclusion: This study shows that a large number of patients are using topical steroids to treat acne lesions.
Use of topical steroids is a misconcept in treating the lesions of acne vulgaris and their use is associated with
various cutaneous side effects including aggravation of acne lesions, skin atrophy, telangiectasias, perioral
dermatitis, hirsutism, acne roacea and tinea in cognito.
Asma Khalid, Rushqia Mukhtar. (2012) Injudicious Use of Topical Steroids, A Misconcept in Treatment of Patients with Acne Vulgaris, Journal of Islamic International Medical College, Volume-7, Issue-1.
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