Topical corticosteroid phobia

Abstract

Since their discovery in 1952, topical corticosteroids have been one of the most frequently used drugs in dermatology. Due to their overtly beneficial effects and over-the-counter availability, these drugs have been rampantly misused leading to an epidemic of ill effects. This has recently given rise to a surge of pharmacophobia particularly in parents and caregivers of atopic children as well as patients who genuinely need the application of topical corticosteroids for their steroid-responsive diseases. Topical corticosteroid phobia is defined as an extreme fear of side effects of topical corticosteroids and reluctance to use the drug even when prescribed by the treating physician.