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

This article focuses on a cost-of-illness (COI) analysis comparing direct healthcare costs between steroid-naive and steroid-modified dermatophytosis in India, where misuse of topical corticosteroids has led to an epidemic of difficult-to-treat fungal infections. The study found that patients with steroid-modified dermatophytosis incurred approximately 40% higher treatment costs (Rs 3770.61) than steroid-naive patients (Rs 2172.42), largely due to longer treatment duration, more expensive antifungals like oral itraconazole, and increased need for consultations and investigations. The findings highlight the significant financial burden on patients, especially given the disease’s prevalence among working-age adults and the limited healthcare coverage in the region. The authors suggest that broader studies and policy interventions are needed to address the misuse of topical corticosteroids and reduce the economic impact of this condition.