E-ISSN 1658-8223 | ISSN 1658-645X
 

Original Article
Online Published: 09 Dec 2025
 


Topical corticosteroid concerns in dermatological outpatients in Saudi Arabia

Ghadeer Almasabi, Hanin Mobarki, Ghaid Alotaibi, Muzun Asiri, Juri Alghofaili, Ahlam Alasiri, Nouf Alshehri, Abdulrahman Alharbi, Ahmed Allayali.


Abstract
Background and Aims:
Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are commonly prescribed by dermatologists for a wide range of inflammatory skin conditions. However, concerns that patients have regarding the use of TCS can greatly affect their adherence to treatment. Adherence to prescribed treatments and the challenges faced by non-adherent individuals are critical areas of focus. This research evaluates knowledge gaps and concerns regarding TCS use in dermatology outpatient settings in Saudi Arabia, aiming to reduce misunderstandings, improve treatment recommendations, and optimize both safety and efficacy in dermatological practice.

Methods:
A total of 383 patients with various skin conditions answered an online questionnaire on the concerns related to steroid containing cream/ointment use. The data were statistically analyzed using the (SPSS) software. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between patients characteristics and TCS-related concerns.

Results:
Among participants, 53% reported being prescribed steroid creams/ointments, with 15.1% for their children. More than half 56.7% were concerned about their health while using topical corticosteroids. The leading concerns were skin thinning and systemic effects. The most frequent source of TCS concerns were negative reports by the internet and other media. Significantly, concern about health was higher among those with female children, those with university education, and nonmedical workers (p<0.05).

Conclusion:
TCS concerns are common among dermatological patients. Increasing patients’ knowledge and awareness may reduce TCS concerns.

Key words: Topical corticosteroids, Patient adherence, Treatment concerns


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Almasabi G, Mobarki H, Alotaibi G, Asiri M, Alghofaili J, Alasiri A, Alshehri N, Alharbi A, Allayali A. Topical corticosteroid concerns in dermatological outpatients in Saudi Arabia. Majmaah J Heal Sci. Online First: 09 Dec, 2025. doi:10.5455/mjhs.2026.01.007


Web Style

Almasabi G, Mobarki H, Alotaibi G, Asiri M, Alghofaili J, Alasiri A, Alshehri N, Alharbi A, Allayali A. Topical corticosteroid concerns in dermatological outpatients in Saudi Arabia. https://www.mjhs-mu.org/?mno=245171 [Access: December 09, 2025]. doi:10.5455/mjhs.2026.01.007


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Almasabi G, Mobarki H, Alotaibi G, Asiri M, Alghofaili J, Alasiri A, Alshehri N, Alharbi A, Allayali A. Topical corticosteroid concerns in dermatological outpatients in Saudi Arabia. Majmaah J Heal Sci. Online First: 09 Dec, 2025. doi:10.5455/mjhs.2026.01.007



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Almasabi G, Mobarki H, Alotaibi G, Asiri M, Alghofaili J, Alasiri A, Alshehri N, Alharbi A, Allayali A. Topical corticosteroid concerns in dermatological outpatients in Saudi Arabia. Majmaah J Heal Sci, [cited December 09, 2025]; Online First: 09 Dec, 2025. doi:10.5455/mjhs.2026.01.007



Harvard Style

Almasabi, G., Mobarki, . H., Alotaibi, . G., Asiri, . M., Alghofaili, . J., Alasiri, . A., Alshehri, . N., Alharbi, . A. & Allayali, . A. (0) Topical corticosteroid concerns in dermatological outpatients in Saudi Arabia. Majmaah J Heal Sci, Online First: 09 Dec, 2025. doi:10.5455/mjhs.2026.01.007



Turabian Style

Almasabi, Ghadeer, Hanin Mobarki, Ghaid Alotaibi, Muzun Asiri, Juri Alghofaili, Ahlam Alasiri, Nouf Alshehri, Abdulrahman Alharbi, and Ahmed Allayali. 0. Topical corticosteroid concerns in dermatological outpatients in Saudi Arabia. Majmaah Journal of Health Sciences, Online First: 09 Dec, 2025. doi:10.5455/mjhs.2026.01.007



Chicago Style

Almasabi, Ghadeer, Hanin Mobarki, Ghaid Alotaibi, Muzun Asiri, Juri Alghofaili, Ahlam Alasiri, Nouf Alshehri, Abdulrahman Alharbi, and Ahmed Allayali. "Topical corticosteroid concerns in dermatological outpatients in Saudi Arabia." Majmaah Journal of Health Sciences Online First: 09 Dec, 2025. doi:10.5455/mjhs.2026.01.007



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Almasabi, Ghadeer, Hanin Mobarki, Ghaid Alotaibi, Muzun Asiri, Juri Alghofaili, Ahlam Alasiri, Nouf Alshehri, Abdulrahman Alharbi, and Ahmed Allayali. "Topical corticosteroid concerns in dermatological outpatients in Saudi Arabia." Majmaah Journal of Health Sciences Online First: 09 Dec, 2025. Web. 09 Dec 2025 doi:10.5455/mjhs.2026.01.007



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Almasabi, G., Mobarki, . H., Alotaibi, . G., Asiri, . M., Alghofaili, . J., Alasiri, . A., Alshehri, . N., Alharbi, . A. & Allayali, . A. (0) Topical corticosteroid concerns in dermatological outpatients in Saudi Arabia. Majmaah Journal of Health Sciences, Online First: 09 Dec, 2025. doi:10.5455/mjhs.2026.01.007





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