What is Topical Steroid Withdrawal ?

Topical Steroid Withdrawal – The use of topical corticosteroids has become a huge concern due to rampant and widespread misuse by people these days. Age group most commonly affected is 11–30 years with female preponderance as they are very conscious of their looks. Frequently misused as fairness creams due to their potent bleaching action and as an anti-inflammatory effect. Readily available over the counter agents.

Second most common condition these days is the use of topical steroids in fungal infections. Which leads to aggravation and prolonged treatment course. Most commonly used topical steroids include panderm, cosvate, lobate and Betnovate etc.

Topical steroids fall under the category of Schedule H drugs. It means that they should be sold by retail shops only on the valid prescription of a qualified doctor. But none of the retailers follows it. Lack of qualified dermatologists, more so in rural areas, is also compounding the problem of irrational use of corticosteroids.

What Concern Topical Steroid ?

More serious concern is its inappropriate use in the symptomatic treatment for dermatological disorders. Like acne, fungal infections, facial pigmentation and as fairness creams by non-registered practitioners or on the advice of pharmacist at chemist shops. These people are not qualified and competent to treat dermatological disorders and prescribe topical steroids. Which often provide quick symptomatic relief without treating the underlying pathology of the disease.

The topical steroid use on face can lead to many adverse effects like atrophy of the skin, hirsutism (thick hairs over face), acne, perioral dermatitis, and telangiectasias (visible superficial blood vessels). Its prolonged and indiscriminate use can lead to the development of a condition known as a topical steroid-dependent face (TSDF). It is characterized by severe rebound erythema, burning and scaling of the face on attempted stoppage of the TC after prolonged use. It leads to successive use of more and more potent TCs to avoid the rebound effects associated with withdrawal, a condition known as steroid addiction.

There should be a proper check on the advertisement of the drugs which claim to promote fairness of the skin. And should not be use any random ointments or creams prescribed by non-dermatologist, layman or pharmacist over your face unnecessarily. As they can cause long term side effects which later on become difficult to manage. Always consult your dermatologist for any of your skin problems be it a small pimple only.
Stay alert! Stay beautiful!!