Subsequent to a review of available data by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK, SAHPRA has requested manufacturers of topical steroid preparations to update their prescribing information to inform patients of the risks of discontinuation reactions.

Such reactions are more likely to occur following prolonged or inappropriate use (particularly with moderate to high potency preparations) and can present as an erythematous, burning dermatitis or as papulopustular rashes.