When you have eczema, the normal treatment by the doctor would be to prescribe a topical steroid cream to apply on the affected area. You should take care to use it sparingly and for no more than two weeks. Overdose of topical steroids can cause very bad side effects.

What Are The Side Effects Of Topical Steroids?

What starts out as mild steroid use for childhood eczema, over the years will develop into addiction where stronger and stronger steroidal creams are needed to get the same results.

The eczema will probably be cured, but when you stop using the steroid cream, the problem seems to get worse and more rashes occur in new places. The doctor would probably give you a stronger steroid cream to get the same results. That is when you have topical steroid poisoning and steroid addiction.

What Are The Symptoms Of Steroid Addiction?

1. Uncontrollable spreading of eczema.

2. You have used steroids for a period of time; it may be weeks, months, and even years.

3. The current steroid cream stopped working and you need a stronger one to get the same results.

The only way out is to stop using steroid creams and go through withdrawal ‘cold turkey’. The withdrawal will not be pleasant. Below are some of the symptoms manifested:

• Spreading of rashes very quickly and over a wide area of the body

• Erythema – red burning and scaring of the skin, as well as at the eyes, lips and genital areas

• Edema – swollen skin and body parts

• Vesiculation – oozing of fluid from the skin

• Shredding and flaking of the skin

• Very bad itching

Topical steroids do not cure eczema at all. They merely suppress the skin inflammation, which is the main symptom of eczema and only makes it look like it is being cured.

Steroids work by constricting the blood vessels. So, when you stop using topical steroids, the blood vessels expand wide open and cause more blood to flow through, leading to inflammation. Nitric oxide levels in the blood increases and causes the burning, hot sensation. Cellular fluid is pushed out of the skin when the blood vessels expand causing oozing. As the skin cells are healing, itching will occur.

Steroid withdrawal can be a traumatizing experience. It can take months and even one to two years before it can heal completely. Here are seven ways that can help manage the withdrawal:

1. Understand

The first thing you should do is to understand the withdrawal process and know what your body is going through. You can find a lot of information from ITSAN (International Topical Steroid Addiction Network).

2. Patience And Good Attitude

The withdrawal process is very frustrating and depressing. You have to take it each day as it comes. With a positive attitude, you know that the end will come when you are completely healed.

3. Emollient

Use a good emollient to moisturize the skin as it will be very dry and flaky, which will trigger more itchiness. Petroleum jelly or coconut oil works best for most people. Try green tea oil, too.

4. Ice Packs Or Hot Water Bottle

Ice packs or a hot water bottle can be used to reduce swelling, redness, itchiness and pain.

5. Antihistamine

Antihistamine is effective in reducing the inflammation from the expanded blood vessels. It may not cure the itchiness but it can help manage it.

6. Sleeping Aids

Due to the extreme discomfort, your sleep may be affected. Drink herbal tea, such as chamomile tea. A natural sleeping aid supplemen,t such as melatonin can help too.

7. Comfortable Clothing

Wear clothes with natural fabrics, such as cotton. For children, special mittens and socks to prevent scratching would be necessary.

Strong family support is necessary for you to get through the period of steroid withdrawal. You can find external support groups of people who are going through the same thing, so you won’t feel so alone. Remember, you’re not alone!

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