#corticophobia: a review on online misinformation related to topical steroids

Abstract

Misinformation in healthcare is at crisis level worldwide, with the internet as primary source of prevarication. Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are a safe and effective treatment used in multiple dermatological conditions. Nonadherence to prescribed TCS can be due to phobia secondary to misinformation. TCS phobia is a complex multifaceted phenomenon that exploits patients with skin disease, creates cognitive dissonance and can obstruct successful treatment. This study aimed to examine the content of TCS-related misinformation available online. A formal review of PubMed was performed using the terms ‘topical corticosteroids’ AND ‘misinformation’ OR ‘disinformation’ OR ‘conspiracy theory, along with an informal Google search using combinations of these terms and further targeted searches on social media applications including Facebook™, Twitter™, Instagram™ and TikTok™. ‘Topical steroid withdrawal’, ‘red skin syndrome’ or ‘TCS addiction’ is a particularly prevalent myth currently being propagated on social media, with most content suggesting that eczema is due to a ‘leaky gut’ or food intolerance and not to skin inflammation. The risks of potential adverse effects such as skin thinning and stunted growth/development are often exaggerated. Multiple websites promoting misinformation were frequently endorsed by companies advertising consultations or testing to identify ‘underlying causes’, or ‘natural’ products as alternative treatments, including ‘herbal’ remedies, which can contain significant quantities of corticosteroids or other potent ingredients. The dermatology community should be vigilant of the type of TCS-related misinformation online and be active in attempts to counteract it with evidence-based advice.