IndiaTop StoryTop StoryLatest News
India Today Cover Story: Chronic Itch Causes, Risks And Dangers Of Steroid Creams
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
This week's India Today cover story explores the significant rise in chronic itching, its causes, and the dangers of misusing steroid creams. A recent survey indicates that 42.6% of Indians experienced itching in the past week.
Key points
- The global burden of disease data shows a rise of 83% in people suffering from itching from 1990 to 2021.
- Doctors classify itching lasting over six weeks as chronic, which can be caused by various conditions.
- A 2022 study found that 50.9% of patients with fungal infections misused steroid creams.
- Misuse of steroid creams can mask symptoms and lead to adverse effects like skin thinning.
- Medical experts recommend consulting dermatologists for appropriate treatments.
Key insights
- The increase in chronic itching cases may indicate a growing public health issue.
- Misuse of steroid creams could lead to long-term skin damage for many individuals.
- Raising awareness about proper treatment options may reduce self-medication practices.
Why it matters
Understanding the risks of chronic itching and steroid misuse could help improve public health awareness.
Source
India Today
