Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of self-medication (SM) with topical corticosteroids (TCs) and identify the factors associated with this practice among derma patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting participants aged 18 years old or above who had practiced SM on topical steroids. The data was collected through interviews, and an online questionnaire, distributed among patients attending the dermatology clinic from September to December 2023.
Result: Of the 412 responses, 197 (47.8%) were using TC. The frequency of using TC was twice or fewer (68.7%), three times (24.7%), and four times or more (6.6%). The duration of using TC was less than 3 months (51.8%) and 3-6 months (24.4%). The most reported formulations were hydrocortisone (32%), and betametha sone valerate 0.1% (31.5%). Further, 95 (49%) had complications, mostly plethoric face and telangiectasia, and aggravation of pre-existing lesion (12.6% each). Reasons for SM of TC were lightening the skin color (22.7%), and treating melasma and suntan (16.2%).
Conclusion: This study revealed that the incidence of SM with TC among patients was observed. Therefore, patients should be aware of the possible dermatological complications that can occur by practicing SM of TC.
Key words: Self-medication, practices, dermatology patients, topical corticosteroids, Saudi Arabia
|
