1 week ago
Young Indians’ Skincare Experiments Raise Steroid Misuse Concerns
Many young people are using social media to decide how to treat skin problems.
They may try creams or several products without knowing what condition they have.
This can be risky because acne, eczema and other problems need different treatments.
Some creams contain steroids, which can harm the skin if used incorrectly or for too long.
Possible problems include thinner skin, acne-like spots and changes in skin colour.
Skin conditions can also make people uncomfortable, disturb sleep and affect confidence.
Doctors say a young person should see a dermatologist if the problem does not improve or keeps returning.
They should also seek help if it spreads, hurts, itches, scars or appears after using a new product.
Dermatologists say young Indians are increasingly using social media advice and over-the-counter products for acne, eczema and pigmentation.
Unsupervised steroid creams can cause skin thinning, stretch marks, visible blood vessels, acne-like breakouts and increased sensitivity.
Acne and eczema can lead to scarring, pigmentation, itching, pain, sleep disruption and reduced quality of life.
Social media trends and promises of quick results may encourage treatment without first identifying the correct skin condition.
Dermatologist Dr Rinky Kapoor advises medical consultation when symptoms persist, recur, spread, become painful or itchy, or cause scarring or pigmentation.
- Who
- Young Indians, dermatologists and dermatologist Dr Rinky Kapoor.
- What
- Young people are increasingly self-treating skin problems through social media advice and over-the-counter products, raising concerns about delayed diagnosis and steroid misuse.
- Where
- India, including findings from South India.
- When
- The article discusses an increasing trend among adolescents and young adults; no specific date is given.
- Why
- Social media trends, easy access to products and promises of quick results may encourage unsupervised treatment.
Key facts
- Common conditions
- Acne and eczema are identified as common dermatological conditions among adolescents in cited Indian research.
- Steroid risks
- Inappropriate topical corticosteroid use can cause skin thinning, stretch marks, visible blood vessels and acne-like breakouts.
- Additional concerns
- Unsupervised steroid use may cause skin atrophy, hyperpigmentation, acne formation and increased sensitivity.
- Quality-of-life effects
- Acne and eczema can contribute to scarring, discolouration, itching, pain, insomnia and impaired wellbeing.
- Research sample
- One cited study involved 250 people aged 13 to 25 and linked acne severity with body-image disturbance and impaired quality of life.
- Medical warning signs
- Persistent, recurring, spreading, painful or itchy symptoms, scarring, pigmentation, sudden reactions or failed over-the-counter treatments warrant dermatological advice.
Quotes
Dr Rinky Kapoor
Co-Founder and Director of The Esthetic Clinics
“Treating skin diseases involves not only addressing their physical manifestations but also their impact on an individual’s quality of life.”
firstpost.com
“Trends on social media have pushed individuals to try products and treatment options regardless of their skin type.”
firstpost.com
Sources
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