A study of topical steroid induced facial dermatosis in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and to analyse the role of Demodex mite in its pathogenicity

Authors

  • Mansi Srivastava MBBS Student, ANIIMS, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar
  • Pradeep Balasubramanian Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, ANIIMS, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar
  • Anjali J. Anil Research Scholar, Department of Social Work, Hindusthan College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20185508

Keywords:

Topical steroid facial dermatosis, Demodex mites

Abstract

Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are widely abused all over our country due to its short term benefits and effortless over the counter availability. The rate of its abuse is more so in Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&N). Henceforth we conducted a study to evaluate the topical steroid induced facial dermatosis (TSFD) in A&N and to analyse the role of demodex mite in its pathogenicity.

Methods: 58 patients with TSFD participated in this study. Details such as demography of patient, topical steroid used, duration of usage, reason behind its usage and facial dermatosis of the TSDF developed were collected. Following this, standardized surface skin biopsy (SSSB) was performed to assess the density of demodex mite. The details were statistically analysed.

Results: TSFD were predominantly seen in female of age group between 20 and 30 years. It was commonly misused to get rid of acne, pigmentation, tinea faciei and as a fairness cream. The commonly misused TCs were betamethasone cream followed by mometasone. It was commonly advised by pharmacists, friends, relatives, beauticians and GPs. Papules, pustules, photosensitivity and erythema were the commonly encountered adverse events. Microscopic examination of SSSB was negative in all the patients.

Conclusions: The study depicts rampant and irrational use of TCs in our population. Though the demodex mites were absent in the patients studied, further studies with larger sample size and in different ethnicity needs to be done to affirm its role in the pathogenicity of TSFD.

Author Biographies

Mansi Srivastava, MBBS Student, ANIIMS, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar

Final year MBBS student

Pradeep Balasubramanian, Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, ANIIMS, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar

Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology

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Published

2019-01-25

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Section

Original Research Articles