title: Misuse of topical corticosteroids: a clinical study in an Iraqi hospital.
abstract: We assessed the frequency of, reasons for and the most common dermatological problems resulting from misuse of topical corticosteroids. We used a questionnaire and skin examination to study patients presenting at the dermatological centre, AI-Sadr Teaching Hospital, Al-Najaf, Iraq during the period March 2001-April 2002. Of 1780 new patients, 140 (7.9%) had misused topical corticosteroids. About half were aged 10-19 years. Potent and highly potent preparations were the most commonly used. In 34.3% of cases, medical staff were responsible for prescribing/recommending the drugs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Kufa, Kufa, Iraq. maldhalimi@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Al-Dhalimi
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Aljawahiry
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003880:Dermatology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007493:Iraq / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012646:Self Administration / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents