Topical corticosteroids have now been in use for treating skin disease for over half a century, since the introduction of compound F or hydrocortisone (cortisol) in 1952 [1]. Many local and systemic side effects have become more prevalent since the uncontrolled use of high potency topical corticosteroids. The most common local side effects are atrophy, acneiform eruptions, erythema, folliculitis, hyper pigmentation, hypertrichosis, hypo pigmentation, Purpura, Striae, susceptibility to infections and Telangiectasia [2]. Here in, we report a case of HS due to using a topical corticosteroid cream.

A 39 year-old male patient reported to our department with complaints of pus discharging sinuses over both groins and buttocks since 2 months duration, past history of uncontrolled use of topical corticosteroid cream for itching over groins and buttocks for a period of 4 months. It was prescribed by friend initially and he got it over the counter sale. According to his history he did not have any systemic disease. He had only itching scaly skin lesions over groins and buttocks. He used topical corticosteroid cream by himself uncontrollably for improvement of itching without consulting dermatologist. Recently he underwent surgical excision of abscess over buttocks in private hospital. Physical examination was normal. Laboratory investigations revealed leucocytosis raised ESR, normal Liver function tests and Kidney function tests.

On Local examination:

Longitudinal striae over supra pubic area and flanks, hypopigmentation over both groins (Fig. 1); Figure 1

Multiple striae over anterior abdomen, flanks and thighs. shows multiple discharging sinuses over pubic area, few with crusting.

Supportive hidradenitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease originating in apocrine gland follicles, which may become chronic and often indolent due to subcutaneous extension with induration, scarring, destruction of skin appendages and sinus formation [3].

Comedonal occlusion of the “apocrine gland follicle” unit therefore obstructs the outflow of the apocrine gland in addition to that of the sebaceous gland, and is believed to be the initiating event in hidradenitis.

Friction and pressure accentuate the inflammatory changes that invade the fat and cause further granulomatous change extending widely over the buttocks and thighs. Persistent perineal sinuses are frequent, and deep lesions cause anal fistulae.

Keratin Plugs are identified in apocrine gland follicles, leukocyte inflammatory cells in ducts of glands. As the apocrine gland extends well below the dermis into the less supportive subcutaneous tissue, the suppuration readily breaks through the gland and extends under the skin.

Laboratory investigations show higher yield of potential pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, anaerobic streptococci and, notably, the microaerophilic organisms Streptococcus milleri from purulent disease and abscesses.

Topical corticosteroids are classified according to their potency into mild, moderate, potent, and very potent categories. It is recognized that topical corticosteroid preparations can be absorbed through the skin and may result in suppression of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and may cause Cushing’s syndrome. Prolonged steroid use is associated with myriad side effects. Androgen levels were on average increased compared with controls, but were normal in many individual patients. The application of topical corticosteroids on thin and damaged skin, on the elderly or paediatric population or under occlusion, intertriginous areas or moisture areas increases risk of side effects [4].

Corticosteroids can cause virilization in females and feminization in males. And also corticosteroids may increase muscle mass as well as hypertrophy of the penis, accentuate scrotal folds and stimulate sebaceous glands in men.

Corticosteroids once absorbed stimulate sebocyte proliferation [5] and aggravates sebaceous gland activity by its stimulatory effects on proliferation and differentiation in the presence of growth factors [6]. Friction and pressure accentuate the inflammatory changes that invade the fat and cause further granulomatous change extending widely over the buttocks and thighs.

Following atypical sites already noted in dermatological literature, areola, infra- mammary and inter-mammary fold, [7] abdomen, scalp, [8] external auditory meatus, ear lobes, retro auricular fold [9], abdomen and chest [10].

In our case report patient continually applied ointment, which combines a potent topical steroid and an antifungal agent, twice daily to the intergluteal folds, pubic area and both groins. The occlusive nature of this anatomical location had led to an increase in the potency of the steroid.

In conclusion, this is the first case of Hidradenitis Suppurativa due to topical corticosteroids. The clinicians should be aware of an unusual complication caused by topical corticosteroids.