Steroid phobia among general users of topical steroids: a cross-sectional nationwide survey

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess steroid phobia among general users of topical corticosteroids and to analyze factors associated with steroid phobia. Methods: A cross-sectional nationwide survey was conducted using an online panel with participants stratified by age, sex, and region. Those aged 18-65 years with experience of topical steroid use within the past 1 year were included. Results: Of the 3000 respondents included, 929 (31%) had steroid phobia. Among those with steroid phobia, 322 (35%) reported that their fear developed after obtaining information from the media. Weight gain, asthma, skin thinning, growth stunting, and skin aging were the side effects cited as the main reasons behind development of steroid phobia. Female respondents and those with experience of the side effects of topical steroids were more likely to have steroid phobia, while those who obtained information on topical steroid use from a healthcare professional were less likely to have steroid phobia. Conclusions: Steroid phobia among general users of topical steroids appears to be relatively high despite most of them being non-chronic topical steroid users. Healthcare professionals should not refrain from counseling patients, but instead actively address the issues leading to fears in patients.