Introduction: Topical Corticosteroids (TC), introduced in 1952, are used in a number of dermatological conditions. This very usefulness along with misconception regarding TCs as magical fairness and anti-acne cream and free availability over the counter has made it a double edged sword leading to rising instances of abuse and misuse.

Aim: To evaluate the misuse of TCs on face and the adverse effects due to their application.

Materials and Methods: A questionnaire‑based analysis was done among patients presenting with various facial dermatoses in the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Jharkhand. Patients were asked about their current use of topical preparations and on further follow-up questioning, those who revealed the use of TCs for a minimum duration of four weeks were included in the study and observed for local adverse effects.

Results: A total of 743 patients were observed, 506 were females (68.1%) and 237 were males (31.9%). Majority (36.9%) were of age group 20-29 years.156 patients (21%) used creams containing combination of TC, antibiotic and antifungal, 139 patients (18.7%) used creams containing combination of TC and salicylic acid whereas only 67 patients (9%) used TC alone.156 patients were advised to use TC  by their friends, family members, or neighbors. Steroid used erythema (25.9%) was the most common adverse effect observed followed by steroid induced acne. (23.6%)

Conclusions: TC misuse in patients with facial dermatoses is quite common, and most of this use is unwarranted.Use as a fairness cream is the most common indication in this study.

Keywords: Misuse, combination cream, topical steroids, rosacea.

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