Author's Reply.

Sir,

We would like to thank the authors for their interest in our article.[1] In the answer, we would like to mention that among rural masses, all branded topical steroids are extensively used as over the counter sale. Due to our constraints, we cannot mention the one particular brand although all of us are familiar to it. Answering the first query of using topical products/steroids/cosmetic product is a common term in our article. This is because among rural population used, cosmetic products particularly fairness creams are known to contain steroids and also otherwise use known topical steroid over the counter to become fair.

The authors have questioned us regarding limiting the study to only 13 products. We have restricted our study to the commonly locally used topical steroids and depigmenting agents available in the surrounding district. We agree that there are 100 of topical products, i.e., topical steroids available in the market; however, in a given area, only some products are commonly used or available.

Regarding the next query, the total number of outpatient department patients during this study was 9600.

The authors have questioned us regarding the composition and name of the product. Compositions are generally not mentioned in these cosmetic products and name of a particular brand we cannot mention in the article.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.