Beyond the prescription: unveiling cosmetic misuse of topical corticosteroids among Sudanese women
1
Kura Research Center, Kassala, Sudan
2
Khartoum University, Kassala, Sudan
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A100
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Corticosteroids are synthetic forms of the hormones that the adrenal gland naturally produces. Beyond therapeutic dermatologic applications, topical corticosteroids are frequently used for cosmetic skin whitening. Unsupervised use exposes individuals to serious dermatological and systemic adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of sudanese females regarding cosmetic use of topical corticosteroids.
METHODS:
A cross sectional study was conducted in sudan between may and july 2025 among 410 sudanese females aged 18–65 years. Data were collected using an online self administered dermatologist reviewed questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. The questionnaire demonstrated acceptable reliability (cronbach’s α=0.77). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi square tests, and logistic regression.
RESULTS:
The mean age of participants was 25.12 ± 6.33 years, and most were single (72.1%). Overall, 75.9% demonstrated adequate knowledge (mean score 9.37/14). Knowledge was mainly related to local adverse effects such as skin thinning (86.8%), pigmentation changes (87.1%), and visible veins (84.4%), while awareness of systemic and irreversible risks was considerably lower. Education level was significantly associated with higher knowledge (p=0.035). However, knowledge did not significantly reduce misuse (p=0.088). Uncertainty regarding duration of use strongly predicted poor knowledge (OR=4.725, p<0.001). Cosmetic use without medical supervision was reported by 31.2% of participants, mainly for skin whitening. Most users obtained products from beauty stores (75%) and applied them to the face (69.5%). Nearly half of users (45.3%) experienced side effects.
CONCLUSIONS:
Cosmetic misuse of topical corticosteroids is prevalent among young sudanese women and is associated with adverse effects. Although knowledge alone does not reduce use, its influence on attitudes highlights the need for strengthened health education, counseling, and stricter regulatory control.
Corticosteroids are synthetic forms of the hormones that the adrenal gland naturally produces. Beyond therapeutic dermatologic applications, topical corticosteroids are frequently used for cosmetic skin whitening. Unsupervised use exposes individuals to serious dermatological and systemic adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of sudanese females regarding cosmetic use of topical corticosteroids.
METHODS:
A cross sectional study was conducted in sudan between may and july 2025 among 410 sudanese females aged 18–65 years. Data were collected using an online self administered dermatologist reviewed questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. The questionnaire demonstrated acceptable reliability (cronbach’s α=0.77). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi square tests, and logistic regression.
RESULTS:
The mean age of participants was 25.12 ± 6.33 years, and most were single (72.1%). Overall, 75.9% demonstrated adequate knowledge (mean score 9.37/14). Knowledge was mainly related to local adverse effects such as skin thinning (86.8%), pigmentation changes (87.1%), and visible veins (84.4%), while awareness of systemic and irreversible risks was considerably lower. Education level was significantly associated with higher knowledge (p=0.035). However, knowledge did not significantly reduce misuse (p=0.088). Uncertainty regarding duration of use strongly predicted poor knowledge (OR=4.725, p<0.001). Cosmetic use without medical supervision was reported by 31.2% of participants, mainly for skin whitening. Most users obtained products from beauty stores (75%) and applied them to the face (69.5%). Nearly half of users (45.3%) experienced side effects.
CONCLUSIONS:
Cosmetic misuse of topical corticosteroids is prevalent among young sudanese women and is associated with adverse effects. Although knowledge alone does not reduce use, its influence on attitudes highlights the need for strengthened health education, counseling, and stricter regulatory control.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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