Contents:
- Medical Video: Topical steroid abuse in India - Dr. Madhu SM
- Side effects of steroid creams
- 1. Thinning skin
- 2. Rosacea
- 3. Contact dermatitis
- 4. Stretch marks
- 5. Cushing's syndrome
- Do not use steroid creams carelessly
Medical Video: Topical steroid abuse in India - Dr. Madhu SM
Steroid creams are commonly used to treat various skin problems, such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, to vitiligo. Although this drug is safe to use, steroid creams can cause side effects if they are continuously used in high doses. So, what are the side effects of steroid creams? See the following explanation.
Side effects of steroid creams
The following are some of the most common side effects of steroid creams, including:
1. Thinning skin
Applying high-dose steroid creams in just one place continuously over a long period of time can cause the skin to thin out due to weakening of the underlying skin tissue. This then causes a surface of your skin to appear to have purplish red strokes like a spider's nest, because the capillaries dilate.
Stopping the use of creams can restore the skin to its original state. Even so, it takes months for the skin to fully recover from these side effects.
2. Rosacea
White people are susceptible to rosacea if using long-term high-dose steroid creams. Rosacea causes the skin to redden and hurt due to injury. Rosacea also often causes red bumps filled with fluid like zits, called pustules. Pustules often appear on the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead.
Signs and symptoms of rosacea can appear and last a few weeks to months, then disappear and can arise again. If not treated immediately, rosacea tends to increase and blood vessels will become more visible over time.
3. Contact dermatitis
For some people, using steroid creams can also cause contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is irritation or inflammation of the skin due to direct skin contact with allergens or other irritants.
This condition is generally not harmful to health, but can cause skin redness or blisters, dry skin, swelling, bumps, and itching.
Non-fluorinated steroid creams such as hydrocortisone and budesonide are prone to cause contact dermatitis. In addition, the risk of contact dermatitis increases if you are allergic to steroids.
4. Stretch marks
The use of repeated creams on areas that are easily rubbed, such as the groin and armpit, can cause stretch marks that are permanent or difficult to remove. Even so, some cases of stretch marks due to steroid creams can fade over time.
Excessive steroid creams can also cause skin discoloration. However, this condition will usually be more visible in people with dark skin.
5. Cushing's syndrome
Long-term use of steroid creams can also cause Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome, often referred to as hypercortisolism, is a disease caused by an increase in abnormal levels of the hormone cortisol. This condition causes a moon face and fat buildup in the area between the neck and shoulders (buffalo hump).
In addition, Cushing's syndrome also causes thinning of the skin so the skin becomes easily bruised. The appearance of reddish purple strokes on the arms, chest, abdomen, thighs, and lower legs can also occur. Cushing's syndrome can also cause bone loss, high blood pressure, and sometimes diabetes.
Do not use steroid creams carelessly
In some cases, the side effects of steroid creams develop slowly and symptoms are mild. However, in other cases it can also develop quickly and more heavily.
Remember, even though this drug is safe to use, steroid creams will cause side effects if used in high doses and in the long term. That is why, it is important for you to consult a doctor first before using steroid creams for your skin care.
