Purpose: Corticosteroids are naturally produced in the adrenal cortex and regulate a variety of physiological processes, including but not limited to, stress homeostasis, metabolism, and inflammation. As synthetic steroids exert the same effects as natural steroids, they are used in the treatment of various skin conditions. Synthetic steroids are delivered in a variety of forms, such as topical preparations, oral preparations, and injections. Topical steroids are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in dermatology clinics. Although topical steroids were thought to provide maximum benefit with no side effects, many side effects have been reported by topical corticosteroid users. Therefore, this study examined awareness and knowledge regarding topical steroids among the general population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study involving 426 subjects in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Subjects completed a self-administered questionnaire, and data were collected from February to April 2023. The questionnaire assessed age, sex, education level, occupation, and general knowledge regarding the side effects of topical steroids. Results: The study cohort was predominantly female (77%). Half of the participants were aged 21– 39 years. Most of the subjects (70%) were steroid users, and the most common reported indication for steroid use was undetermined (37.6%). Nearly half of the participants did not know whether steroids were dangerous, and 59.4% did not know that topical steroids can cause systemic effects. Conclusion: This study assesses knowledge regarding topical steroids among the general population in the western region of Saudi Arabia. The results revealed a lack of knowledge regarding the side effects of topical steroids. Awareness of potential topical steroid side effects should be increased among the general population to minimize the occurrence of serious side effects.

Background: Burnout is a multidimensional syndrome declared recently as an occupational phenomenon in the International Classification of Diseases, recognizing burnout as a serious public health issue of national proportions. Objective: To determine burnout prevalence in Saudi dermatology residency and identify contributing factors. Methods: Validated measure of burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory-human services survey), alongside the possible risk factors of burnout, was distributed to all dermatology board training programs in all centers with Saudi Board Dermatology Training Program in the Western, Eastern, and Southern Region in Saudi Arabia. Results: A total of 70 respondents completed the questionnaire. High Emotional Exhaustion (EE) was present in (47.1%) , low personal accomplishment (PA) was present in (65.7%) , and high depersonalization (DP) was the least prevalent across all burnout dimensions (24.3%) of dermatology residents. Overall burnout was present in (21.4%) of the dermatology residents. Multivariate analysis showed that the odds of EE were significantly lower in males than females (OR = 0.2, P = 0.016) and the higher number of patients seen per clinic (OR = 1.09, P = 0.032) was associated with higher odds of having high risk of EE while higher satisfaction with work life balance was associated with lower odds of high risk of EE (OR = 0.47, P = 0.005). Higher number of study hours/week was associated with lower odds of low PA (OR = 0.95, P = 0.02). Similarly, higher satisfaction with career was associated with lower odds of low PA (OR = 0.35, P = 0.042). Multivariate analysis showed that only exercise (OR = 0.21, P = 0.05) and satisfaction with work/life balance (OR = 0.42, P = 0.008) were associated with lower risk of burnout. Conclusion: Our study adds to the literature the burnout rates in dermatology residents in Saudi Arabia, in addition to possible risk factors that can predict burnout. These findings can be applied in the improvement of training programs to reduce the burnout rate among residents.

Background/Objectives: Acne is a common skin condition that is characterized by the manifestation of comedones, erythematous papules, pustules, and nodules over follicular areas. A huge contributing factor in the pathogenesis is colonization by Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) (formerly Propionibacterium acnes). Conventional treatments for acne range from topical to systemic agents with variable side effects and safety profiles. Adherence to prescribed treatments for acne is a huge challenge. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 198 patients with dermatologist-confirmed acne vulgaris at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah. Eligible participants had received topical and/or systemic treatment for at least one month. Exclusion criteria included other acne variants and inflammatory follicular disorders. Data on sociodemographics, medical and treatment history, and clinical characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Treatment adherence was assessed with the validated ECOB scale. Associations between adherence and relevant variables were analyzed using Chi-squared and Mann–Whitney tests in SPSS v26, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Non-adherence to anti-acne medications was 50.5% and was significantly associated with experiencing side effects, particularly skin dryness, and with moderate acne severity and topical treatment (p ≤ 0.05). No significant associations were found between adherence and demographic or medical history variables. Conclusions: Adherence to acne treatment remains a significant challenge for many patients. Improving patient education, addressing concerns about side effects, and providing practical support may help patients follow their prescribed therapies more consistently. Incorporating tools like the ECOB questionnaire into routine dermatology visits can support ongoing assessment and better management of treatment adherence.

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects adolescents and young adults. Its development is influenced by hormonal, microbial, and environmental factors. Emerging research suggests that lifestyle and nutrition may significantly affect acne severity and prevalence, but there is limited evidence from the Saudi population. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of acne vulgaris and evaluate associated dietary and lifestyle risk factors among individuals in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted across Saudi Arabia between July and December 2024. Participants aged 18 and above with current or past acne vulgaris were recruited through social media platforms. A validated questionnaire assessed demographic data, lifestyle habits (hydration, sleep, physical activity, smoking), dietary patterns (fast food, dairy, chocolate), and acne history. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, with p-values ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 559 participants were included, with 65.3% females and 34.7% males. Overall, 45.6% of participants were aged 25 years or below. One-third consumed less than 1 liter of water daily, and 42.6% reported no physical activity. Acne onset commonly occurred between ages 11 and 20, with moderate severity being most prevalent. Statistically significant associations were found between acne treatment-seeking behavior and water intake, physical activity, and demographic variables. Discussion: The findings support the role of modifiable lifestyle factors in acne pathogenesis. Hydration, exercise, and dietary habits may influence both development and management of acne vulgaris. Conclusion: Lifestyle and dietary behaviors significantly impact acne vulgaris. Public health efforts and patient education targeting these factors may improve acne outcomes in the Saudi population.