Imported Skin Creams Can Pose Unexpected Risks
Doctors were surprised to find a patient using a powerful steroid cream bought without a prescription at an African store in Washington, D.C. It was also easy to buy online.
A dermatologist in Washington, D.C., was surprised to discover that one of her patients was using a powerful steroid cream bought without a prescription to treat a rash. Though steroids are often used to treat skin conditions, overuse can cause problems including skin atrophy, rosacea, acne, stretch marks, excessive hair growth and immune system reactions.
It turns out that the patient and the patient's family, who are from Africa, bought the cream, called Funbact-A, at a local store focused, a high-strength steroid sold only by prescription in the U.S. Though high-dose steroids are often used to treat skin conditions, they can cause including skin atrophy, acne, severe rashes, infections and systemic reactions.
