REPORT ON THE TYPES OF SKIN DISEASES AND THE PRESCRIBING PATTERN OF TOPICAL STEROIDS IN PATIENTS VISITING THE DERMATOLOGIC CLINIC OF St PAUL'S HOSPITAL MILLENNIUM MEDICAL COLLEGE, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA: 6 MONTHS REVIEW

Abstract

Abstract Background Skin problems are generally among the most common diseases seen in primary care settings in tropical areas. It’s also among the leading causes of hospital visits in Ethiopia. Although skin disease might not be fatal; it is truly bothersome. Topical steroids comprise the mainstay treatment of skin diseases. However, irrational prescription of topical steroids is a common occurrence all over the world. Topical corticosteroids can lead to several side effects like itching, burning, irritation, redness, and dryness and long term use can lead to loss of skin tone, deterioration of skin cells, and has risk of infections. Objectives The main aim of this study is to find out the common skin diseases for which topical steroids were prescribed in patients visiting the dermatologic clinic of St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in the past 6 months. Methods The study was conducted in the dermatologic clinic of St Paul’s Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study period was from April16, 2018 to May 25, 2018 which is a total of 40 days. The study employed a cross-sectional retrospective descriptive study design using chart review or medical record review of a total of 355patients who visited the dermatologic clinic between the months September, 2017 to February, 2018 at St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. Results Of the 355 patients, more than 2/3rd 273(76.9%) were from Addis Ababa and 82(23.1%) were from other regions of Ethiopia. The majority of patients were females accounting for 222(62.5%). Majority 87(24.5%) of patients were in the age group of 21-30 years. The most common skin conditions observed in this study was eczema 98(27.6%). From the total of 621 drugs prescribed, the commonly prescribed drugs were the topical steroids accounting for 144(40.6%). The most commonly prescribed topical corticosteroids was betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% accounting for 52(36.1%) of the topical steroids given. Conclusion and Recommendation The study implies increased prescription of topical steroids and high prevalence of eczema, training programs regarding these skin conditions and drugs should be given.