Use of topical steroids on the face among university students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Topical corticosteroids are widely used to treat dermatological problems. The aim of this study is to assess the scale of topical steroid usage on the face among the university students. Methods: An online questionnaire has been sent by e-mail to all students of King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia). It included questions about the use of topical steroids on the face for the last 5 y. Different photos of commonly used topical steroids including combination formulas were shown and asked if they have been used. Results: 1626 students responded. Only 56 responded as they have used topical steroids on the face in the previous 5 y. At least 189 had used one of the presented photos (which contained steroids) and 637 said that they did not know that they contained steroids. Sources of prescription included dermatologists, other doctors, pharmacists, friends and relatives, beauticians or saloon staff and others. Different recognized side effects were reported. Conclusion: Considerable number of university students use topical steroids on the face without knowing its nature. Additionally, Topical steroids are being prescribed and advised by non-medical personnel. Public awareness actions can be implemented to warn against the use of topical steroids without proper medical consultation.

The Use of Topical Clobetasol among the Women in Hail Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study on Knowledge and Practice

“…1). The findings agreed with the findings of Majed et al [13]. The latter study found friends or relatives recommending in about one-third cases, pharmacists (one and internet (less than ten percent) which are even higher than that found in this study [13].…”

“…1). The findings agreed with the findings of Majed et al [13]. The latter study found friends or relatives recommending in advertisement on television allures people mainly females toward the indiscriminate use of the cream.…”

“…This study was carried out in only one city of the Kingdom and generalization of the findings may require more extensive multicenter third cases, pharmacists (one-fifth) net (less than ten percent) which are even higher than that found in this study [13]. Study by Sendrasoa et al also supported the However, there was extreme lack of knowledge among the users about harmful fourth of the females were not aware of the harmful effects of clobetasol cream.…”

“…Saudi Arabia found out that TCs were used mostly by females [6,10,13]. Craving towards the use of TCs was profound among young females which was also reflected in the findings of other studies [6,10].…”

“…The facial skin is more vulnerable to TCs because it is thinner than the skin of most other parts of the body. Furthermore, there is more blood supply to this region that results in increased percutaneous absorption of Studies conducted in various countries including t TCs were used mostly by females [6,10,13]. Craving towards the was profound among young females which was also reflected in the findings of other studies [6,10].…”