Efficacy and safety of tinted vs non-tinted sunscreen use in topical steroid damaged face (TSDF): A Randomized controlled trial

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of tinted versus non-tinted sunscreens in the management of Topical Steroid Damaged Face (TSDF). TSDF results from prolonged, unsupervised use of topical corticosteroids on facial skin, leading to erythema, atrophy, telangiectasia, and pigmentary changes. Photoprotection plays a crucial role in treatment, and tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides may provide superior protection by blocking both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, unlike conventional non-tinted formulations. Seventy patients diagnosed with TSDF will be randomized into two groups: one receiving tinted sunscreen and the other non-tinted sunscreen, both combined with emollient therapy and sun-avoidance measures. Efficacy will be assessed using the Dermoscopy-Assisted Topical Steroid-Damaged Face Severity (DATS) score, Physician Global Assessment (PGA), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.

The study hypothesizes that tinted sunscreen will result in superior clinical and dermoscopic improvement, along with better quality-of-life outcomes, compared to non-tinted sunscreen.