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

Delhi: Expressing concerns against the over-the-counter sale of skin creams containing steroids, the doctors attached to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital's dermatology department have demanded a ban on steroids in skin creams.

Dermatologists at RML stated that the majority of patients who visited the outpatient department (OPD) have been using steroid-containing creams on a regular basis. These creams frequently cause various side effects, including serious skin infections, which can damage the skin for years even after lengthy treatments.

To address the matter, the top researchers of IADVL (Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists) and allied sciences working on dermatophytosis held a meeting in Delhi on October 16. The experts the issue of the widespread of superficial fungal infection of the skin also called ringworm among Indians.

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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