STEROID AWARENESS MESSAGE

Why do Dermatologists sometimes prescribe Steroids? What is the rationale behind prescribing Steroids?

Many skin diseases are due to autoimmunity & are associated with inflammation in the skin- your

immunity acting against your skin. So logically, to suppress this dysregulated autoimmunity, steroids

are prescribed either in cream or in oral form.

Why are oral/ topical steroids infamous?

Because of improper/ rigorous misuse. Dysregulated self-medication with steroids can cause side

effects, unless administered under the watchful eye of your doctor.

Why do people use steroids on their own?

It is an unpleasant fact that many skin diseases are autoimmune & recurrent. So when patients take

steroids, they feel better and when the disease recurs, they start taking steroids on their own since

they know it works every time. But there is a difference between self-steroid use & prescription by

Dermatologist.

Dermatologists will take all measures to reduce side effects of steroids by thorough assessment of

skin disease as well as your general health before starting steroids.

Dermatologist knows when to start/stop steroid use. We identify side effects of steroids at the

earliest and make necessary adjustments in dosage, limiting damage. So understand that steroid is a

prescription medicine & not an OTC product.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT STEROIDS ARE VERY USEFUL MEDICINES BUT AT THE SAME TIME CARRY

RISK OF CERTAIN SIDE EFFECTS. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSUMED OR APPLIED WITHOUT ADVICE OF

DERMATOLOGIST.

AVOID SELF MEDICATION WITH STEROIDS