Topical steroids or topical corticosteroids are used for a variety of skin conditions because of their anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive property. They are used in skin conditions like psoriasis, connective tissue disorders. Indiscriminate use of corticosteroids has become very common in India. That is one because the pharmacists or chemists are selling the corticosteroids without a prescription form a registered medical practitioner. Most of the times they sell very potent corticosteroids over the counter without a valid prescription. People generally self treat or they share prescription with family and friend. So if a friend of yours has used a cream for acne and it has helped her and if you have used the same cream without checking what cream it is. So you should stop doing that. If you have any skin problem, you should always consult a qualified dermatologist. Generally topical corticosteroids when used for a shorter duration and lower potencies don’t cause side effects, but if it is used for a longer duration an high potency topical corticosteroids, they may give rise to various side effects. Some of the side effects which can affect because of the topical corticosteroid abuse are one, it can cause thinning of skin, stretch marks over the skin, it can cause reduction in the pigmentation or the lesions appear paler. It can cause bruising or redness of skin. When used on the face it can give rise to increased facial hair. It can give rise to pimples or acne form lesions, it can cause rosacea. It can cause perioral dermatitis where you get rashes around your lips and if corticosteroids are used around your eyes, they may induce cataract and glaucoma formation. It can also increase various secondary skin infections like bacterial, viral, fungal infections and also other infections. The steroid molecules or its constituents or preservatives like lanolin and parabens can give rise to contact sensitivity. It can also cause a phenomenon called as tachyphylaxis where the steroid molecule will stop working for your skin condition. As you can see steroids are prescribed for many skin conditions. However it is advisable to use a corticosteroid cream only under a doctor’s prescription.

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