Steroid Abuse: RML Doctors raise voices against over-the-counter sale of skin creams

 Dr Kabir Sardana, professor of dermatology at RML Hospital, told The Indian Express," India is facing a huge problem of an almost epidemic-like spread of superficial fungal infection of the skin also called ringworm. A common problem that is faced is the self-use of steroid creams by patients that make the infection worse and even more difficult to treat. Such steroid creams are freely available without prescriptions in the country despite repeated attempts by IADVL to ban their over-the-counter availability."

 Sardana further added that the infection-causing bacteria have evolved, and a new species known as Trichophyton indotineae has arisen. Infections caused by this new species, which first appeared in India and has now spread to many regions of the globe, are more challenging to cure.

Dr Manish Jangra, another dermatologist at RML Hospital took the help of different social media platforms to warn people against steroid abuse. The doctors stated," As we know steroid availability has increased Over The Counter(OTC). Most of the patients seek Doctor's advice after its excessive use without any advise from Pharmacy Shop. Steroids in the form of cream on our face can trigger problems which include redness and hair on faces, thin skin of the face, and a burning sensation. The biggest cause of the rise of side effects of these steroids is their availability over the counter and thus easy accessibility. I request everyone to not use steroid cream without consulting doctors." 

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