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Tinea incognito and "over-the-counter" potent topical steroids

B A Solomon1, A T Glass, P E Rabbin

  • 1Department of Dermatology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, USA.

Cutis
|October 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Tinea incognito, a fungal infection altered by corticosteroids, presents atypically, delaying diagnosis. Misuse of potent topical steroids, especially over-the-counter, worsens these infections, as seen in two reported cases.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Tinea incognito describes dermatophyte infections altered by corticosteroid therapy.
  • Atypical lesion presentation often leads to delayed or missed diagnoses.
  • Misuse of potent topical steroids can significantly alter the clinical presentation of skin infections.

Observation:

  • An increasing number of patients are self-treating dermatoses with potent topical steroids obtained without a prescription.
  • Two cases of tinea incognito are presented where clinical presentation was exacerbated and altered by the use of such over-the-counter steroid preparations.

Findings:

  • Over-the-counter availability of potent topical steroids contributes to the modification and worsening of fungal infections like tinea incognito.
  • Atypical presentations due to self-treatment with steroids can challenge accurate and timely diagnosis by healthcare professionals.

Implications:

  • Highlights the need for increased awareness among patients and healthcare providers regarding the risks of self-treating with potent topical steroids.
  • Suggests a potential need for stricter regulation or pharmacist counseling on the sale of potent topical steroids to prevent misuse.
  • Emphasizes the importance of considering tinea incognito in patients presenting with unusual or persistent dermatoses, especially after topical steroid use.

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