Abstract

Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are medications applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and irritation. The side effects of TCS are mainly local, such as skin atrophy and striae. The present study aims to assessing the knowledge and awareness of dermatological patients regarding topical corticosteroid complications in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted where respondents were selected by quota sampling technique. The data were collected via questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed online and was self-administered. A consent form was issued before opening the questionnaire where completion was regarded as permission by the respondent to take part in the study. Data were entered in Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Inferential analysis was carried out at 5% level of significance.
Results: The final sample consisted of 442 study respondents, where 54.5% were female and the rest were males, 29.6% of the respondents said they had experienced at least one type of dermatological diseases. There was a significant link between the level of education and opinions over short-term effects of TCS (p = 0.018). Participants from the western region showed higher percentage in agreement, that TCSs could cause cataracts
and also on the effectiveness over the short period, 41.5% and 61.5%, respectively.
Conclusions: The knowledge of TCSs in Saudi Arabia remains sparsely distribute based on region, occupation, and academic level of achievement across the populations.

Key words: TCS, dermatology, dermatological patients, potency