Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A (2023)

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) in 1997 defined drug utilization as the distribution, prescription and use of drugs in a society, with special emphasis on the resulting medical, social and economic consequences. Introduced in late 1950s, corticosteroids have revolutionized the practice of dermatology showing dramatic improvements in dermatological diseases and till now remains the largest and the mainstay in the management of various dermatological conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, lichen planus, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, alopecia areata, discoid lupus erythematosus, and drug rash. Corticosteroids are produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoids and mineral corticosteroids are the two primary types. Topical corticosteroids have made a dramatic contribution to dermatology since the introduction of “compound F” or hydrocortisone in 1952 and have become the mainstay of dermatologic treatment of a wide range of inflammatory and non-infectious conditions. Topical corticosteroids are an essential tool for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The strength of topical corticosteroids is determined by the possibility of side effects such as atrophy, striae, rosacea, telangiectasias, purpura. Systemic steroids are given orally or intravenously. "Systemic" refers to the fact that they affect the complete body rather than just the skin, the side effects are Insomnia, change in mood or behavior, increase appetite.
Objectives: To evaluate the utilization of topical and systemic steroids in treating various skin disease. 
Methodology: This was an observational study. The study was conducted in ESIC MC-PGIMSR, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, India. A total 272 patients were performed in this study over a period of 3 months in outpatient dermatology department. The subject’s demographic details and responses were collected with the help of self-design data collection form. The collected data were entered in Microsoft Excel and appropriate statistical analysis was performed.
Results: A total of 272 patients were enrolled in the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of the 272 subjects who participated in the study, most of them belonged to the age group of 41-50 years 34.56% (n=94), and the number of males 48.90% (n=133) were less than the females 51.10% (n=139). Most of the subjects were having dermatitis about 19.49% (n=53). Most of the prescription preferred topically 90% and most of the subjects 240 prescribed single corticosteroids (88.24%) and There were 53 individuals and 62 steroidal medications present (20.39%), with more corticosteroids being used to treat dermatitis. Desonide 110 is the medicine that is used the most (36.18%), while lotion 116 is the most commonly prescribed dose type (38.16%).
Conclusion: The study was conducted in a teaching hospital in urban premises of Bengaluru comprising of patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study conclude that the majority of the patients enrolled in the study were females. The distribution of skin diseases among study subject receiving corticosteroids was seen highest number of patients is dermatitis, out of 272 subjects 53 is dermatitis patients. The most of corticosteroids prescribed topically and majority of subjects prescribed single corticosteroids. The most common drugs were prescribed was desonide and then clobetasol propionate and most commonly lotion and ointments are preferred. Irrational use / abuse of topical or systemic steroids may lead to severe ADRs and quality of life of patient. Hence, establishing standard guidelines for treatment of various skin disease where steroids are required.