A concerning rise in fungal infections, including Tinea (ringworm), is creating a public health challenge across India. Dermatologists from PGI Chandigarh and Command Hospital attribute this surge to the misuse of fixed-dose combination (FDC) creams containing corticosteroids, antifungals, and antibacterials.
These creams, often marketed as fairness or anti-itch solutions, are widely available over-the-counter (OTC) and frequently misused without medical supervision. Experts warn that the resulting resistance has made once-treatable infections persist for years.Why This News Matters to Pharmacists
For pharmacists, this development is more than a health alert—it’s a call to action. FDC creams, popular among customers for skin issues, are contributing to a silent epidemic of resistance. Being proactive can help you:

• Educate Customers: Steer patients away from harmful self-medication practices.

• Build Trust: Position your pharmacy as a reliable source of health advice.

• Promote Proper Care: Encourage consultation with qualified dermatologists for persistent conditions.

What Experts Are Saying

• Long-Term Consequences: Maj Gen Rajesh Verma (Med), Western Command, warns, “Chronic, recurrent, and unresponsive cases of fungal infections have reached alarming levels.”

• Immune Suppression Risks: Prof. Sunil Dogra from PGI explains, “Corticosteroids in FDC creams suppress local immunity, enabling fungi to thrive and become resistant.”

Key Takeaways for Pharmacists

1. Raise Awareness: Explain the dangers of self-medicating with corticosteroid-based creams to your customers.

2. Check for Misuse: Inquire about patients’ symptoms to ensure appropriate product recommendations.

3. Promote Rational Use: Highlight the importance of using antifungals responsibly to prevent further resistance.

What’s Fueling the Crisis?

1. Uncontrolled OTC Sales: These creams are easily accessible and marketed for non-specific skin conditions.

2. Misuse by Non-Specialists: General physicians and alternative medicine practitioners often prescribe FDC creams as a blanket solution, leading to widespread misuse.

3. Resistant Infections: Once-treatable cases of Tinea now persist for months or years, posing treatment challenges.

Immediate Steps You Can Take

• Stock Smartly: Carry a mix of dermatologist-recommended alternatives alongside OTC products.

• Guide Patients: Recommend seeking medical advice for recurrent or severe skin infections.

• Spread Awareness: Use flyers, posters, or conversations to educate your community about the risks of irrational drug use.