‘Steroid phobia’ is leading to treatment failure

International report

- Current labeling on topical steroids advising patients to apply sparingly or thinly is causing a ‘steroid phobia’ leading to treatment failure, according to a study published in the

British Journal of Dermatology

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A group of UK dermatologists say the majority of patients with skin conditions are treated with mild corticosteroids for which there is little risk of adverse effects or skin atrophy. However, they say patients are given a negative, dangerous impression of topical steroids based on advice that should be saved for more potent agents.

The dermatologists found the ‘phobia’ was causing suboptimal treatment of eczema and psoriasis, and suggest labels be changed.