Survey Finds Topical Corticosteroid Concerns Affect Use and Patient-Clinician Discussions
Key Takeaways
- In an online survey of 1,000 adults and 500 caregivers of children with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis, 42.3% and 34.4%, respectively, reported applying topical corticosteroids less often than prescribed.
- Adverse-effect concerns were common: 66.1% of adults and 68.4% of caregivers were aware of potential adverse effects, while 43.5% and 42.8%, respectively, reported a perceived negative reaction after use.
- Despite widespread awareness of prescription nonsteroidal topical options, 47.8% of adults and 45.0% of caregivers were hesitant to discuss concerns about long-term topical corticosteroid use with their clinicians.
Concerns about adverse effects were associated with less frequent use of prescribed topical corticosteroids (TCS) among adults and caregivers of children with inflammatory skin conditions, according to survey findings presented at the 2026 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.
Tina Bhutani, MD, and colleagues analyzed responses from 1,000 adults and 500 caregivers of children with self-reported atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis. Respondents had a history of more than one TCS prescription and completed a 22-question online survey between August 18 and September 1, 2025. The study assessed treatment patterns, perceived adverse effects, and communication about long-term TCS use.
Adverse-Effect Concerns and Prescribed Treatment Frequency
Overall, 42.3% of adults and 34.4% of caregivers reported applying TCS less frequently than prescribed. Among respondents using TCS less often, concerns about skin thinning, long-term effects, and treatment risks versus benefits were leading reasons.
Awareness of TCS-associated adverse effects was reported by 66.1% of adults and 68.4% of caregivers. Additionally, 43.5% of adults and 42.8% of caregivers reported that they or their child had experienced a negative reaction or side effect after TCS application. These were self-reported experiences rather than independently confirmed adverse events.
Reported reactions prompted 36.3% of adults and 39.4% of caregivers to seek alternative treatments that could be used for any duration. Although 82.7% of adults and 86.2% of caregivers were aware of prescription nonsteroidal topical therapies, 47.8% and 45.0%, respectively, were hesitant to discuss long-term TCS concerns with clinicians.
The authors concluded that the findings “highlight the need for proactive clinician-patient conversations and effective, well-tolerated long-term treatment options that patients and caregivers can use with confidence.”