The economic burden of topical corticosteroid use in dermatophytosis: a cost-of-illness analysis of steroid-modified vs. steroid-naive dermatophytosis.

Abstract

Dermatophytosis is one of the leading causes of visits to the dermatology department, especially in India, where the hot and humid climate favours fungal acquisition and perpetuation. Usual modalities of treatment include the use of either oral or topical antifungals or a combination of both, depending on the severity and extent of infection as well as the type of causative organism. But recently, steroid-modified dermatophytosis, an iatrogenically perpetuated dermatophytosis caused by the indiscriminate use of topical corticosteroids has emerged as a troublesome epidemic. We planned a cost-of-illness analysis of superficial dermatophytosis comparing the direct healthcare costs in steroid-naive and steroid-modified dermatophytosis. In our study, the average total cost of treatment for steroid-naive and steroid-modified dermatophytosis was found to be rupees (Rs) 2172.42 and Rs 3770.61 respectively, meaning that the cost for patients who used topical steroids is an additional 40% on average for treatment, when compared with the cost for patients who are steroid naive. The need for more consultations, investigations (relating to atypical presentation) and extended duration of treatment with higher-grade antifungals were found to contribute to the increased financial burden in steroid-modified dermatophytosis.

• Authors: Soumya Jagadeesan, Sarath Sreekumar, Lekshmi Sajini, Aiswarya Binu, Anupam Das
• Journal: Clinical and experimental dermatology (Clin Exp Dermatol) Vol. 48 Issue 8 Pg. 909-912 (Jul 21 2023) ISSN: 1365-2230 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 37040440 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of British Association of Dermatologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected].

Chemical References

• Antifungal Agents
• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Steroids
• Dermatologic Agents

Topics

• Humans
• Financial Stress
• Antifungal Agents (therapeutic use)
• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Steroids (adverse effects)
• Dermatologic Agents
• Tinea (drug therapy, epidemiology)