Awareness on Topical Corticosteroids among Dental Students
Aarthi Muthukumar
Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai – 600077, India.
Dhanraj Ganapathy *
Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai – 600077, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Topical corticosteroids play a major role in the treatment of many dermatologic conditions. They are FDA-approved and indicated for the use of inflammatory and pruritic presentations of dermatologic conditions. The well-known indications are for diseases such as psoriasis, limited areas of vitiligo, eczema, atopic dermatitis, phimosis, acute radiation dermatitis, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, discoid lupus erythematosus, and lichen sclerosus. They are effective for conditions involving hyper-proliferation, immunological, and inflammatory properties. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of topical corticosteroids among the dental students. The present study was an online-based survey conducted among dental students. Questionnaires were prepared and distributed among dental students through an online portal system called google forms. About 84% of dental students were aware of topical corticosteroids. From the results of the survey, it is clear that most of the dental students were well aware of topical corticosteroids and also had proper knowledge and its complications.
Keywords: Corticosteroids, drugs, knowledge, complication, dental students