Koushik Lahiri (ed.)A Treatise on Topical Corticosteroids in Dermatologyhttps://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4609-4_20

20. Topical Corticosteroid Use in the Middle East

Hassan Galadari¹

(1)

College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Hassan Galadari

Abstract

The use of topical steroids in the Middle East is quite common as the regulations of dispensing to patients are lax. Even though the uses of these medications are limited in the pediatric population in fear of their possible side effects, their use in adults is mainly in the treatment of pigmentary disorders. Given that such conditions are common, abuse is highly possible. The occurrence of adverse events, such as atrophy, is common in this population group.

Keywords

Middle EastPigmentary disordersSteroidsPrescriptionEducation

Learning Points

1.

Topical steroids are an important part of the dermatologists’ armamentarium in the treatment of many inflammatory conditions.
2.

The use of topical corticosteroids is important in children as they are the gold standard in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, a condition that is common in the Middle East.
3.

Abuse of these medications occurs in adults especially for the treatment of conditions such as melasma.
4.

Strict regulation should be enforced when prescribing such drugs so as they do not get dispensed without a prescription.
5.

Regulation should also be enforced on outlets that promote compounded medications without label as some might contain strong corticosteroids as part of their ingredient.
6.

Education is important among the public to ensure informed decision-making in their health care.

The use of topical corticosteroids in the Middle East is quite high comparatively to that of the United States and the West. Though there is an apprehension of their use given perceived side effects, such limitation only exists in the pediatric population. The use of the creams, however, is made more readily available due to the lack of regulatory bodies controlling their dispensing. Pharmacies do not require prescriptions in order for them to hand in even Class I steroid creams. The patient may either ask for it by name or the pharmacist would volunteer giving the medication if the patient describes that he or she has eczema or an itchy lesion. That being said, the patient may still have that apprehension if they are aware that the cream they are handed out is actually steroid in nature.

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