ABSTRACT
Topical steroids are the most commonly prescribed drugs in dermatological setting, and they are also one of the most abused ones, as these drugs are very cheap, easily available over the counter, and provide quick relief in symptoms. This study aims to find the level of awareness and attitude regarding topical steroids among medical interns. MethodsThis was a cross sectional questionnaire-based study conducted among medical interns of 2014 batch of Rohilkhand Medical College in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy. The study was conducted with the help of a questionnaire that was modified from the study, Verma P, et al. This was followed by a presentation on topical steroids use, misuse and what steps can be taken to prevent their rampant misuse. Finally, a feedback was taken on importance of the study. ResultsTotal 69 medical interns were included in the study. Fifty-two interns had previously prescribed or used topical corticosteroids. Steroids (clobetasol, betamethasone, mometasone) in combination with either tretinoin & hydroquinone or antimicrobials were commonly abused. The commonest indication for which they were used were infections of which tinea was the most common followed by dark spots or as a fairness cream, acne, eczema, and other conditions such as pruritus, insect bite, burn, etc. ConclusionsThis study shows significant knowledge gap among medical interns regarding topical steroids. Thus, knowledge regarding topical corticosteroids is very essential and should be emphasized more during the MBBS period. More studies are required to study regarding their awareness and misuse.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of thetoenails or fingernails that may involve any component of thenail unit, including the matrix, bed, or plate. Onychomycosisis caused by dermatophyte fungi, non dermatophyte mouldsand yeasts. Prevalence rates for OM varying from 3 to 5%have been found in most studies; however, a few reportssuggest a higher prevalence of even up to 26% in the generalpopulation. Hence through this study an attempt was made toidentify the various clinical patterns of onychomycosis and toidentify pattern of drug resistance in onychomycosis.Material and methods: The proposed study was carriedout in Outpatient Department of Dermatology Venereologyand Leprosy, Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital,Bareilly, a tertiary care hospital in western Uttar Pradeshfor one year (November 2017- October 2018) on patientshowing nail changes suggestive of onychomycosis, usingdirect microscopy using potassium hydroxide. The culturemedium SDA with chloramphenicol was used. Sensitivity toTerbinafine, Fluconazole, Itraconazole and Griseofulvine wasstudied.Result: The most common pattern of onychomycosis seenwas distal lateral subungual onychomycosis. Pattern of drugresistance is maximum with Griseofulvin (49%) and least withTerbinafine (20%).Conclusion: A total of 104 patients were enrolled, withmean age 35.93 years. Males were more commonly involvedcompared to females. The culture results were positive among55 patients and negative in 49 patients. The most commoncausative agent isolated was dermatophyte moulds followedby non-dermatophytes and yeasts.