Clinical Indications and Abuse of Corticosteroids: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Corticosteroids are lifesaving drugs; however, their abuse has been noted in general population. The objectives of the review were to highlight the adverse effects after prolonged use and abuse of corticosteroids. The review covers the period of 2000-2023. After extracting information from over 76 articles and evaluating their quality, data was presented as PRISMA diagram. The main adverse effects appear after abuse or prolonged use of corticosteroids are immune suppression, osteoporosis, weight gain, stunted growth in children, glucose intolerance, hypertrichosis, acne, telangiectiasis, hypertension, mood disorder, rosacea, peri-oral dermatitis, fibrosis of renal, cardiac and vascular cells, hormonal-disturbances, cataract, glaucoma and prolong use in COVID-19 patients enhanced the mortality. Mostly corticosteroids were used as a fairness cream for a long time without medical supervision. Despite corticosteroids’ clinical benefits, their abuse as fairness cream is not justified. Therefore, the general public has to be educated about the adverse effects associated with corticosteroid prolongation and abuse. A coordinated strategy is required among patients, physicians and pharmacists to stop the mistreatment of topical corticosteroids.