Awareness and knowledge of topical corticosteroids among the general population of Makkah City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background & Aim: Corticosteroids are essential for managing stress and inflammation. They have wide dermatological use, particularly topical corticosteroids (TCs), for conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Although effective, TCs can cause local and systemic side effects, contradicting the belief that they have minimal systemic impact. A study in Saudi Arabia reported that 31.75% of participants used TCs without a prescription and only 8% were aware of their systemic risks. This emphasizes the need for improved public awareness of their proper use and potential risks. This study aimed to assess TC awareness and knowledge among the general population of Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 399 participants were surveyed to evaluate their awareness and knowledge of TCs. Data were collected between May and June 2024 using an online questionnaire. Results: Of the participants, 48.6% were previous or current TC users, with allergies being the most common indication (40.8%). Most participants obtained TCs through prescription (72.8%). There were no significant differences in knowledge of TC indications, information sources, side effects, or other aspects between TC users and non-users (p>0.05). However, TC users showed greater awareness of proper TC application frequency (one to 2 times daily) and duration (<2 weeks) (p<0.05). Overall, 85.7% of participants had poor knowledge of TCs. Conclusion: This study revealed poor TC knowledge among the general population of Makkah City, highlighting the need to raise awareness.