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# India Today Cover Story Warns Against Ignoring Chronic Itch and Steroid Cream Misuse
- URL: https://newsanek.com/chronic-itch-causes-steroid-cream-risks-india-today/
- Published: 2026-11-03T15:54:19.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-03T15:54:19.000Z
- Description: India Today's cover story 'The Big Itch' says persistent itching can signal serious illness and warns against self-medicating with over-the-counter steroid creams.
- Author: Kumar Ujjwal
- Tags: India, #prof-medical, #sub-doctor, #starter

India Today's latest magazine cover story, titled 'The Big Itch', looks at why persistent itching should not be treated as a minor problem. The report, highlighted on the magazine's video desk on November 3, 2026, also draws attention to the widespread misuse of steroid creams bought without a prescription.

### Key points

- Itching lasting more than six weeks is classed as chronic by doctors.
- Global burden of disease data shows the number of people with itching rose by 83% between 1990 and 2021.
- A 2022 study at 13 Indian dermatology centres found 50.9% of patients with fungal infections misused steroid creams.
- Experts advise seeing a dermatologist instead of following social media advice.

## How common is itching?

According to the report, global burden of disease data shows that the number of people suffering from itching rose by 83% between 1990 and 2021\. A 2024 survey found that 42.6% of Indians had scratched an itch in the week before they were asked.

## Possible causes

Doctors quoted in the story say itching that continues for over six weeks is considered chronic. The cause can be as simple as the weather. It can also be a fungal infection or eczema. In some patients, itching may point to a systemic condition such as diabetes, a thyroid disorder, or kidney or liver disease. For this reason, the magazine says a long-lasting itch deserves a proper medical check-up.

## The problem with steroid creams

The cover story highlights a common habit of self-medication, especially the use of over-the-counter steroid creams. It cites a 2022 study across 13 dermatology centres in India, which found that 50.9% of patients with fungal infections had misused these creams.

The report says such creams can hide the symptoms of an infection while making it worse. Adverse effects mentioned include thinning of the skin and stretch marks.

## What experts advise

Medical experts quoted in the report recommend consulting a dermatologist so that the exact cause can be found and treated in a targeted way. They caution against following advice from social media or applying random creams. For doctors and other health professionals, the findings are a reminder to ask patients about earlier use of steroid creams. This is especially relevant when an infection does not improve or returns in a changed form.

The source does not mention any new rules or official steps on the sale of steroid creams.

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### Source

- [India Today: India Today Cover Story: Chronic Itch Causes, Risks And Dangers Of Steroid Creams](https://www.indiatoday.in/india/video/india-today-cover-story-chronic-itch-causes-risks-and-dangers-of-steroid-creams-ytvd-3031562-2026-11-03?ref=newsanek.com)