Steroids are the hormones the human adrenal cortex produces. They also refer to the synthetic drug with cortisol effects. Steroids, also known as corticosteroids, are very different from steroid compounds used by athletes to enhance their performances. Usually used in medical cases. Medical conditions steroids used to treat include allergies, asthma, dermatitis, hives, Addison's disease, Crohn’s disease, leukemia, prostate cancer, etc.
Steroids are classified into types depending on the effect they create within the body. They also produce many side effects, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, fluid retention, muscle wasting, decreased height, cataracts, glaucoma, peptic ulceration, and TSW (topical steroids withdrawal).
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These are medications in creams, lotions, ointments, solutions, serums, gels, sprays, foam, oils, shampoos, and other substances made for the skin or scalp. Also used for anti-inflammatory purposes, to treat or control skin infections such as eczema and dermatitis. Other names for topical steroids are topical corticosteroids, glucocorticosteroids, and cortisone.
These steroids cause the same effects as the corticosteroids produced by the adrenal glands above the kidneys. Other side effects of applying these steroids on the skin or scalp include narrowing blood vessels, suppression of immune response, and reduced cell turnover. All the effects of using these steroids can be classified under the following:
The potency of topical steroids refers to the working capacity of the medication, and they can be grouped into four:
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You can purchase topical steroids with mild potency, just over pharmaceutical counters, but those with high and very high potency should only be on doctor’s prescriptions.
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This skin condition can occur in the mouth, groin, nails, and other body parts. It causes a cluster of glossy elevated colored blotch on the affected area. This area is usually sore, itchy, and red. Using a medication containing topical steroids can help with this condition.
Topical steroids are usually used with other ingredients, such as anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, to create a more effective result. The risks involved in using topical steroids with other drugs are quite low, and there is no significant effect on the potency of topical steroids when combined with other products.
These other drugs do not affect the concentration or effect of topical steroids. However, it is strongly advised that other topical medications should not be carried out simultaneously as topical corticosteroids to avoid creating more adverse effects.
If you purchase any topical steroid from over the pharmaceutical counter, ensure you follow the instructions on the leaflet. Otherwise, you should adhere strictly to the doctor’s prescription. These substances are often applied to the affected part once or twice daily for two weeks or more. It should be used less frequently as treatments commence. The use of these medications should be reduced to once a day to avoid the occurrence of topical steroid withdrawal.
Also, it should not be applied all over the body but to the affected parts. It should be applied gently to the skin. If you use emollients, avoid using both substances at the same time. Give a 30 minutes time difference between the applications of both substances. These emollients help to relieve skin irritation and dryness.
The fingerprint unit acts as a guide for using the right dosage of topical steroids in treating skin conditions. You squeeze a quantity of the product from the tip of your finger to the first crease. This quantity should be enough to treat skin conditions over a patch of your skin two times the size of your palm. However, the dosage will still depend on what is being treated and the part of the body it is being treated. This is major because some body parts have thinner skin layers and are hence more sensitive than others. This dosage is often referred to as FTUs(s).
The absorption of topical steroids into the body occurs in different ways. For instance, the greatest absorption happens through the skin layer of the genitals, eyelids, and creases. Hence, potent and highly potent topical steroids should not be used on these parts of the skin.
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The least absorption of topical steroids occurs through the skin layer of palms and soles. Hence, low and moderately potent topical steroids may seem ineffective when applied to these parts of the skin. Using bandages or wraps to occlude the affected part would also help to increase the absorption of topical steroids through the skin layer.
Adults and children can use topical steroids. However, avoid using topical steroids for treatment if you have infected skin, broken skin, or skin conditions like acne and open sores. Pregnant and nursing mothers should only use topical steroids in necessary situations. Research shows that the prolonged use and abuse of these substances can cause defects in the unborn child.
Therefore, using topical steroids with high potency should not be practiced by nursing and breastfeeding mothers. There is no proof that the content can contact the breast milk mother. Apply all caution during usage, topical steroids, and even low potency. Do not apply topical steroids to a nursing mother’s breasts; if she must use these medications, she should also be careful to wash off the cream before breastfeeding her child. This safety measure is significant to prevent the child from being harmed.
For the use of most medications, there are side effects that may occur with different individuals. These side effects should not be confused with Topical Steroid Withdrawal. The side effects include:
This is also known as red skin syndrome or steroid dermatitis, which occurs after a person ceases to use topical steroids after prolonged regular use or the abuse of topical steroids. This condition usually occurs with the use of topical steroids with high levels of potency. The symptoms are mostly on the face and genitals. However, there is no exact time or duration for these symptoms to appear. It differs in individuals; in some, it may be a few months, while for others, it could take many years. Individuals with atopic dermatitis and women who blush often are at more risk. Very few reports have occurred in children. The first known case of topical steroid withdrawal happened in 1979.
This condition is mainly caused by the abuse, prolonged or regular use of topical steroids for more than a year. It was once believed that the adrenal glands only produce cortisol. However, recent research has proven that keratinocytes in human skin should also be included in the list. The prolonged or regular use of topical steroids would cause an adverse expression on the surface of lymphocytes.
We mustn't attribute every skin condition to Topical Steroids Withdrawal. Some symptoms of Topical Steroid Withdrawal are redness and rash on the face, excluding the nose and around the lips. This rash usually begins from the part of the skin that initially had the condition to be treated. Redness of the arms except for the palms and fingers. The reduction of the skin's elasticity can also be a way to tell if you have this condition. A burning feeling under the skin also forms part of the diagnosis. The reddened part of the skin may not just be a patch. It may also appear as the original skin condition the topical steroid is applied to treat or control. Your skin can also feel thickened and swollen.
Using this product with the right frequency and dosage and over the appropriate duration helps treat and control skin conditions. Side effects and topical steroid withdrawal only occur when you use the product in larger quantities or frequently over a long period, beyond the prescriptions of doctors, dermatologists, and physicians. It is also important that the use of this treatment need to be under the supervision of a dermatologist.
Deciding not to use topical steroids to treat or control skin conditions due to the knowledge of these side effects and topical steroids withdrawal may not be the best of choices as these substances can prove effective in the treatment of skin conditions, mainly when used according to prescription and over the right duration. Besides, this condition is pretty rare both in adults and children.
These symptoms may develop weeks or months after the stoppage of topical steroid withdrawal. It is usually different per individual, but most cases happen with individuals who have used the product for more than 12 months.
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These signs and symptoms can also be classified into two types. Both are referred to as erythema to edematous and papulopustular. The erythema to edematous type is found in individuals with atopic or seborrheic dermatitis, accompanied by swelling, burning, redness of the skin, and heightened skin sensitivity. All these symptoms would occur within a fortnight from the stoppage of topical steroids.
The papulopustular type is found in individuals who have used these medications to treat acne. This comes with symptoms such as pimples, nodules, and redness. This is when this product is for cosmetic purposes.
The most effective prevention method is using these medications strictly based on prescriptions. These symptoms are more likely to appear in these medications that are misused. The more frequently topical steroids are used, the more likely the individual to develop topical steroids withdrawal. The more potent the topical steroid and if used for a longer period than prescribed, the higher the probability of having topical steroid withdrawal. Use topical steroids to treat or control skin conditions and not for cosmetic purposes. Preventing these withdrawal symptoms is simple if you adhere to the above guidelines. However, in totally preventing topical steroid withdrawal, treatment of chronic skin conditions with the use of topical steroids shouldn't avoid or discourage.
No one treatment widely agrees upon this. However, the first step would be to consult your dermatologist or skin care physician. There has to be a diagnosis to be sure that the symptoms noticed are of topical steroid withdrawal and not another skin condition like eczema.
Once the diagnosis has been made, the next step would be to stop the wrong use of these medications. There have been some arguments about stopping these medications' use abruptly or gradually. However, there is no significant difference in the results produced by both actions. It highly advises stopping the use of the medications immediately.
Support and psychological care should also be patient. Other ways to help with the condition include using ice compresses, systemic doxycycline, tetracycline or calcineurin inhibitors. Ointments and balms such as shea butter have also be found to be helpful during this time. Epsom salt bath is also helpful in the recovery process. Antihistamines should be used to help with the intense itching of the skin that also occurs as a symptom. Immunosuppressants suggest helping as well.
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Another method would be to use oral steroids to reduce the symptoms. If it has led to secondary infections, oral antibiotics should be used. Patients should use soaps and detergents that would be suitable for sensitive skin. Also, wear clothes that are milder and softer on the skin to help reduce irritation. There have also been suggestions for natural and alternative medicine. However, these methods take approval from your doctor before attempting to use them so they do not worsen the condition.
The duration of treatment and recovery is not the same for everyone. However, it usually influences by the period through which these medications are used; the longer the period of use would mean a more extended period for recovery. The duration of recovery and the time it would take for the skin to return to normal would also depend on the treatment used. This duration can be months or even years for specific individuals. It advises taking steps to prevent this from occurring instead of waiting so long for your skin to return to normal.
In conclusion, topical steroids are very effective in controlling and treating skin conditions, both mild and chronic. It may lead to an eventual cure for some but for others, it may help relieve the symptoms. However, if used in excess, abused, used in large quantities and over a long period, it may lead to topical steroid withdrawal. Though this condition is quite rare, it advises that it prevents strictly following prescriptions. It would be good to also have your treatment monitored by your dermatologist or physician.
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Topical Steroid Withdrawal is actually not known to be "quite rare," rather it is not accepted by many dermatologists, but go to itsan.org and you will find thousands of people going through TSW! Follow on FB or Instagram and find support!