Topical corticosteroid misuse: the Indian scenario

Abstract

Topical corticosteroids (TC) have been available for more than six decades during which they have completely changed the face of therapy of dermatological disorders. Despite being the most useful drug for such treatment they are known to produce serious local, systemic and psychological side-effects when overused or misused. Though the drug has been misused sporadically earlier, the menace has become more acute during the last two decades. In India, damaging effects to the human body particularly the skin have been reported regularly during the last decade. The misuse occurs at various levels such as manufacturing, marketing, prescription, sales and end-use by patients and laymen. During the last decade dermatologists in India have been regularly campaigning against such misuse. However, the menace keeps on increasing alarmingly. The need to accelerate the momentum of the campaign against TC misuse has been increasingly felt by dermatologists all over India. This symposium aims to contribute significantly to the campaign against misuse of TC.

Keywords: India; misuse; topical corticosteroids.