18 skin creams in market causing burns:Bhopal AIIMS dermatologist warns fungal infection patterns have changed, steroids suppress disease, don’t cure it

Dermatologists have warned that the indiscriminate use of over-the-counter steroid-based skin creams is worsening fungal infections, making them more aggressive, long-lasting, and difficult to treat. Dr. Manish Khandare, dermatologist at AIIMS Bhopal, said people often self-medicate for itching or rashes by purchasing creams directly from medical stores without consulting doctors. “If someone at a medical shop can treat patients, why would doctors sit in AIIMS?” he said, stressing that such practices are pushing patients toward chronic skin diseases. According to doctors, ringworm infections that earlier resolved within 15–30 days are now lasting for months and, in some cases, over a year. A major reason is the emergence of stronger fungal strains combined with the widespread misuse of steroid-based combination creams. IADVL issues alert on 18 creams The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) has issued an alert on 18 commonly used creams. AIIMS Bhopal has circulated the advisory in its OPD to raise public awareness. Doctors said many of these creams suppress symptoms instead of curing the infection, allowing it to spread internally. Changing pattern of fungal infections Dermatologists noted that fungal infections have become more aggressive in recent years. Common antifungal medicines are often ineffective due to prolonged steroid exposure. Steroids do not eliminate infection; they temporarily reduce redness and itching, creating a false sense of recovery before the infection returns in a more severe form. Self-medication and Combination creams a key concern Doctors said patients often diagnose themselves with ringworm or allergies and use over-the-counter combination creams containing steroids, antifungals, and antibiotics. While symptoms may subside briefly, the disease continues to worsen internally. Health risks beyond the skin Dr. Juhi Gupta, head of a homeopathy wellness center, said prolonged misuse of steroid creams affects immunity, delaying recovery even after correct treatment begins. In several cases, long-term steroid use has led to liver-related complications. Drugs losing effectiveness Dr. Khandare said medications that once worked within a week now take six months to a year to show results. “Earlier, one drug was enough. Now, doctors are forced to prescribe two or three medicines,” he said. Banned creams still sold openly Despite bans on several combination creams, many continue to be manufactured and sold in the market. Doctors warned this could lead to drug-resistant fungal infections, turning the issue into a serious public health concern. Rise in ringworm cases Dr. Kuldeep Gupta, community medicine expert at Gandhi Medical College, said ringworm cases have increased sharply. Patients often stop treatment midway after temporary relief, leading to recurrence. Proper treatment requires 30–45 days, but incomplete courses are contributing to relapses and complications. Health experts have urged the public to avoid self-medication and consult qualified dermatologists for skin-related problems.