Study on prescribing pattern for topical corticosteroids in outpatient department of dermatology at a tertiary care teaching hospital

Abstract

Most of the skin diseases are chronic and require treatment for a prolonged period. Topical corticosteroids constitute the mainstay of treatment for many skin conditions. This is due to their extraordinary anti-inflammatory as well as immunosuppressive actions. A study was carried out at a tertiary care teaching hospital in order to evaluate the prescribing pattern of corticosteroids to provide rational drug use. The aim of study is to analyse the prescribing patters of corticosteroids in outpatient department (OPD) of Dermatology and to enhance the appropriate use of drugs. This is a prospective observational study conducted in 64 patients of either sex visiting dermatology OPD over a period of three months at NMCH and RC, Raichur, Karnataka. The data collected from the prescription sheets of patients into a well-designed data collection form and the same is analysed with the help of WHO prescribing indicators. The data was collected from 64 patients. All the steroids were prescribed by brand name (100%). The most common skin condition encountered in this study is Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) (21.87%) followed by psoriasis and alopecia areata (9.37%). The widely prescribed topical steroid was clobetasol (18.75%), desonide (18.75%), followed by fluticasone propionate (15.62), hydrocortisone (15.62%), beclomethasone, mometasone, betamethasone dipropionate. (68.66%). The most common skin disease observed in the study is PMLE. Low potency and very high potency drugs are most widely prescribed and this will helps to enhance the rational drug use.