Original Article
Topical Steroid Abuse in Children: A Glimpse from Bangladesh
Author Details
1. Consultant Dermatologist, Matador Diagnostic and Wellness Center, Dhaka
2. Consultant Dermatologist, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical Universitiy, Dhaka
3. Consultant Dermatologist, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka
4. Junior Consultant Dermatologist, Government Employees Hospital, Dhaka
5. Assistant Professor, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Dhaka
6. Consultant Dermatologist, Addin BRH Medical College Hospital, Jurain, Dhaka
7. Consultant Dermatologist, Shaheed Taj Uddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, Dhaka
8. Data Analyst, Department of Epidemiology & Research, National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, Dhaka
9. Assistant Professor, Department of dermatology & venereology, Gonoshasthaya Shomajvittik Medical College Hospital, Dhaka
Abstract Introduction: Irrational use of topical steroids in the pediatric age group is common in Bangladesh. Before consulting with a dermatologist for skin disease, parents tend to use medicine from a previous prescription, consult a quack or take medicine from the pharmacy shopkeeper. As there is no regulation on dispensing steroids over the counter, it is really hard to control steroid abuse. Aim: The study aimed to observe how steroid abuse occurred, which steroids were abused more and common side effects due to abuse. Material and method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the outpatient department of different government and non-government hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh over 3 months. A total of 150 steroid-abused children were enrolled. Results: The most affected age group was 2 to 6 years. About 96% of the abuse occurred due to recommendation by non-dermatologists, 58% of which was by Quacks and pharmacy salesman, 19% by general practitioners and 17% by paediatricians. The most common topical steroid used by patients was potent e.g. betamethasone dipropionate (46%). Out of 150 patients, 103 (68.6%) used pure steroid cream while 47 (31.4%) used steroid cream in combination with either antifungal or antibacterial or both. The most common side effect observed was tinea incognito, impetigo, and eczema herpeticum. Conclusion: Topical steroid abuse in children is very common in our country. The problem is worsening due to the easy availability of these medications even without a proper prescription. Every physician should have a good knowledge of steroids before prescribing them. Education of the general public through different communication media should be taken to reduce this abuse. Keywords: Topical Steroids, Abuse, Children, Bangladesh |
Keywords: Topical Steroids, Abuse, Children, Bangladesh