Topical Corticosteroid Phobia among Danish Pharmacy Staff

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Abstract

Introduction: Topical corticosteroid (TCS) phobia may negatively impact treatment adherence. Currently, there are few studies exploring trust and knowledge of TCS use among pharmacy staff. The objective of this work was to examine TCS knowledge and possible phobia among Danish pharmacy staff. Methods: A questionnaire, based on Topical Corticosteroid Phobia (TOPICOP©) questionnaire, was developed and rephrased to fit pharmacy staff. The questions were Likert scales and numerical rating scales (NRS) (0–10). In October/November 2021, 64 pharmacies were invited. If the pharmacies agreed to participate, a researcher visited the pharmacies and distributed the questionnaires. Results: A total of 244 pharmacy workers from 59 pharmacies participated. The majority (95.4%) responded that they were aware of side effects of TCS; however, misconceptions regarding side effects were found in up to 34% of participants. Regarding TCS use, 40% sometimes advised the patients to wait as long as possible before initiating treatment with TCS. Confidence in dispensing TCS to patients was high, with a mean of 8.45 (NRS). Conclusion: Danish pharmacy staff generally reported high confidence in TCS use. Misconceptions regarding side effects were common, and there was a tendency to giving advices on TCS treatment that may indicate low confidence in TCS. Thorough education of pharmacy staff is needed to improve the knowledge of TCS.

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Most cited references 20

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A systematic review of topical corticosteroid withdrawal ("steroid addiction") in patients with atopic dermatitis and other dermatoses.

Tamar Hajar, Yael Leshem, Jon Hanifin … (2015)

The National Eczema Association has received increasing numbers of patient inquiries regarding "steroid addiction syndrome," coinciding with the growing presence of social media dedicated to this topic. Although many of the side effects of topical corticosteroids (TCS) are addressed in guidelines, TCS addiction is not.

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Topical corticosteroid phobia in atopic dermatitis: a study of its nature, origins and frequency.

H Aubert-Wastiaux, L Moret, A Le Rhun … (2011)

Topical corticosteroids remain the mainstay of atopic dermatitis therapy. Many atopic dermatitis therapeutic failures appear to be attributable to poor adherence to treatment due to topical corticosteroid phobia.

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Topical corticosteroid phobia in patients with atopic eczema.

Sarah Williams, A.-B. Morris, Susan Charman (2000)

Topical corticosteroids are widely prescribed by dermatologists caring for patients with atopic eczema. Patients' fears about using topical corticosteroids may have important implications for compliance with treatment. We carried out a questionnaire-based study of 200 dermatology outpatients with atopic eczema (age range 4 months-67.8 years) to assess the prevalence and source of topical corticosteroid phobia. We also questioned patients on their knowledge of the potencies of different topical corticosteroids. Overall, 72.5% of people worried about using topical corticosteroids on their own or their child's skin. Twenty-four per cent of people admitted to having been non-compliant with topical corticosteroid treatment because of these worries. The most frequent cause for concern was the perceived risk of skin thinning (34.5%). In addition, 9.5% of patients worried about systemic absorption leading to effects on growth and development. The most commonly used topical corticosteroid was hydrocortisone, yet 31% of patients who used this preparation classified it as either strong, very strong or did not know the potency. Only 62.5% of the 48 patients who had used both Dermovate (Glaxo) and hydrocortisone in the past were able to correctly grade Dermovate as being more potent than hydrocortisone. The most common source of patient information regarding topical corticosteroid safety was the general practitioner. Although skin thinning and systemic effects can develop very occasionally in people using topical corticosteroids, the concern expressed by people using them seems out of proportion in relation to the evidence of harm. This study highlights the need for provision of better information and education to patients and possibly general practitioners regarding the safety, potency and appropriate use of topical corticosteroids.

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Author and article information

Journal

Journal ID (publisher-id): DRM

Journal ID (nlm-ta): Dermatology

Journal ID (doi): 10.1159/issn.1018-8665

Title: Dermatology

Abbreviated Title: Dermatology

Publisher: S. Karger AG

ISSN (Print): 1018-8665

ISSN (Electronic): 1421-9832

Publication date Subscription-year: 2024

Publication date (Print): August 2024

Publication date (Electronic): 26 April 2024

Volume: 240

Issue: 4

Pages: 581-588

Affiliations

[ ]Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark

Author notes

*Jakob Maarbjerg Toft-Hansen, jakob.toft-hansen@hotmail.com

Article

Publisher ID: 534766 Other ID: Dermatology 2024;240:581–588

DOI: 10.1159/000534766

PubMed ID: 38679004

SO-VID: 4820798b-61a5-420e-a9be-e7bd82cf76a2

History

Date received : 26 October 2022

Date accepted : 16 October 2023

Page count

Figures: 2, Tables: 3, Pages: 8

Funding

No funding sources were received for this study.

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Topical Corticosteroid Phobia among Danish Pharmacy Staff

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