On Saturday, a case of a 20-year-old girl was shared by dermatology experts from the King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in a Continuous Medical Education (CME) program. The CME session was organized by KGMU in collaboration with SIG Dermatopathology (IADVL-Academy) at Kalam Center.

Dr. Parul Verma, faculty at KGMU, shared that the 20-year-old girl, Ms. Vidisha, had a discolored patch of skin near her face about four months ago. She went to a medical store, where the shopkeeper gave her a skin-lightening, steroid-based cream. However, after using the cream for three months, the patch turned into more of a wound. As a result, she came to KGMU for treatment. The consulting doctor sent her a skin sample for the biopsy and confirmed that she was suffering from leprosy. In the CME, Dr. Verma shared that now it will take months to reverse the damage caused by steroid cream. She explained that her treatment would have been easier had she not used steroids.

She stated that it is not the only case that they come across in their daily practice. She noted that out of the 400 patients seen in OPD daily, 50% come after using creams indiscriminately and worsening their condition. She pointed out that many people take steroid-based creams for problems like fungal infection, psoriasis followed by an itchy skin rash, and acne without any prescription from a medical practitioner.

Dr. Parul explained that the relief after using such creams is short-lived, but in the long run, these drugs cause serious reactions and may cause allergies, ulcers, tumors, and infections. Hence, she advised that medicines should be taken after consulting a specialist and that patients should consult a doctor rather than self-medicate. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/diagnostics/avoid-self-medication-in-skin-diseases-case-advice-experts/96149132 )