Development and validation of the Topical Steroid and Moisturizer Adherence Scale

JAAD International 2026 Open access

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Authors: Cheung Ying Shan, Ruochen Du, Tan Ken Wei, Valencia Shihuan Long, Qasrina Binte Iskandar Lim, Nisha Suyien Chandran, Chris Lixian Tan, José M Valderas, Phillip Phan, Ellie Choi
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdin.2026.01.005
Cited by: 0
References: 5

Abstract

To the Editor: While dermatologic outcomes are often compromised by nonadherence to prescribed topical therapies,1 the ability to measure and track topical nonadherence is limited by the lack of validated instruments. Existing measures such as tube weighing2 and smart-cap trackers3 are costly and limited by variability in treatment requirements that vary with disease severity. We developed and prospectively validated a 7-item tool—Topical Steroid and Moisturizer Adherence Scale (TSMAS)—a simple and practical patient-reported measure to assess adherence to topical corticosteroids (TCS) and moisturizers.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Medication Adherence and Compliance Dermatology and Skin Diseases Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery

Publication details

Journal / source
JAAD International
Volume
25
Pages
136–138
Publication date
30 January 2026
Language
EN