Live
- Space Station Safety Alert: Toxic Smell Detected After Russian Cargo Docking
- Protests in Tripura against Hindu priest's arrest in Bangladesh
- Sambhal miscreants being identified through CCTV, will face strict action: UP Minister
- Sambhal violence: Police release photos of rioters including three women
- AI-Enhanced HR Co-Pilot Max Sara 2.0 Rolled Out
- Hyderabad SBI Branch Prevents Senior Citizen from Falling Victim to Rs 13 Lakh Scam
- Maharashtra CM Post: Eknath Shinde's Plan B
- IPO-bound Senores Pharma, Dr. Reddy's Labs launch ivermectin tablets in US
- PAN 2.0: What is PAN 2.0, Benefits, Impact on Business and How to Apply
- Air India optimises key domestic metro routes post Vistara merger
Indians obsessed with harmful skin creams with steroids
Highlights
The use of \"harmful\" skin creams and lotions that contain steroids is out of control in India, according to an expert.
Washington D.C: The use of "harmful" skin creams and lotions that contain steroids is out of control in India, according to an expert.Corticosteroids, also known as steroids, are anti-inflammatory medicines used for a range of conditions. However, these can lead to substantial and permanent damage, especially on thin skin, such as on the face and groin.
Side effects include pigmentation and breakdown of the skin, small and widened blood vessels on the skin, as well as bacterial and fungal infections. Misuse can lead to resistance of infections that can make these difficult to diagnose and treat.
Shyam B Verma, a consultant dermatologist based in Gujarat, says that Indian doctors are witnessing a pandemic of adverse effects induced by topical corticosteroids.
A study of 2,926 dermatology patients in 2013 showed that 433 were using topical steroids and 392 had harmful effects.
As required by law in India, strong steroids can be sold only with a registered medical practitioner's prescription. However, topical steroids are exempt and can be purchased over the counter, which needs urgent revision, according to Verma.
Another problem that leads to the inappropriate use of topical steroids is that too few specialist dermatologists are available. The majority of India's some 8,500 dermatologists are based in cities, while most of India's population is dispersed in villages.
In addition, he says the public, as well as doctors of all specialties, need to be informed and educated about safe use of topical corticosteroids.
The study appears in The BMJ.
Next Story
ADVERTISEMENT
