You must have noticed that your cousin has grown quickly on every holiday visit during his adolescence. This visible growth is caused by androgens, a type of steroid. There is another type of steroid apart from reproductive hormones called corticosteroids used in steroid cream.
These steroids when consumed internally reduce inflammation. Hence, used in the treatment of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, hay fever, and in some allergic conditions etc.,
These steroid’s ability to calm overactive immune is useful in the treatment of eczema and dermatitis.
Let’s now come to the point. Even a friend may have the wrong intention. Likewise, steroid cream has side effects.
Side effects of steroid cream
Make sure you don’t have any adverse effects. Adverse effects are severe and life-threatening.
If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, difficulty in swallowing, and swelling of the throat and tongue, don’t think twice immediately rush to the hospital.
These may be life-threatening symptoms of Anaphylaxis.
Here are some side effects you may notice on topical steroid cream use.
Atrophy
Atrophy is the thinning and wrinkling of muscle. The topical steroids affect collagen synthesis. Collagen protein prevents the skin from wrinkling.
Your youthful skin will remain the same only if you have enough collagen in your body.
Atrophy left unnoticed over a longer period has the possibility of permanent scarring.
On noticing thinning of skin discontinue the use of topical cream. Atrophy must improve within a few days of withdrawal. However, Long-term scarring may be permanent
DO steroids cause weight gain
Yes, Steroids cause weight gain but when it’s applied topically (on the skin) the possibility of the drug entering the blood is very low and this won’t cause weight gain.
Broken capillaries (Telangiectasia)
Broken capillaries (Telangiectasia) are often referred to as spider veins. This is caused when your capillaries (that carry blood to your skin) are damaged.
Rosacea
Rosacea is redness of the cheeks, nose, forehead, or any other part of skin. Redness is present alone or accompanied by broken capillaries (telangiectasia).
Stretch marks/Striae
Stretch marks are common in topical steroid applications. These stretch marks are irreversible and treatment options are available to improve their appearance.
Perioral dermatitis
It is a red rash that circles your mouth. The rash may be scaly or dry and flaky.
This condition is more common in females who overuse fluorinated steroids (e.g., Dexamethasone, Betamethasone).
Steroid acne
Steroid creams can be used to reduce acne inflammation. But it won’t treat the underlying reason for acne formation.
Overapplication and application of steroid cream on acne-prone areas like the face and upper back seem to be the main reasons for Steroid acne. Think twice before applying any unprescribed creams over the face.
Also, DO NOT use steroid cream as fairness cream on the face.
A high concentration of steroids has more chance of developing steroid acne than a medium and lower concentration.
Young adults below the age of 30 and whites over black have a higher risk of developing this problem.
Purpura
Purple spots develop when small blood vessels leak into the skin.
Less common side effects
Hypertrichosis
It is excessive hair growth all over the body or isolated to small patches which is a rare side effect of steroid use.
Hirsutism
It is a male pattern of hair growth in female patients
Tachyphylaxis
Tachyphylaxis may look like a complicated term but it is the reduction in effectiveness of topical steroids in spite same dose applied.
If you feel that the medicine once worked doesn’t work anymore. This may be the real cause which is developed on the long-term use of topical steroids.
Often doctors treat this condition by altering the concentration of the same medicine or with different medicine.
Steroid rebound phenomenon
If you notice mild erythema after discontinuing steroidal cream. It can be due to the steroid rebound phenomenon and this resolves on its own without treatment. Your body would be missing the company of steroidal cream.
Pigmentation alterations
The known side effect of every topical cream is that it may leave a scar on application.
Topical corticosteroids alter melanin production and lead to hyper or hypopigmentation. This may be permanent or fade on its own.
Alteration to normal skin
Ulceration, increased bruisability, and Tinea incognita are some other conditions that occur on the alteration to normal skin structure or physiology on topical cream use.
Wrapping things up
Corticosteroids work by various mechanisms and this affects the skin in one or another way. However, this drug is effective in skin disease treatment. Considering this, the side effects look small compared to its benefits.
Using corticosteroids for minor skin inflammation and irritation is recommended. But, when these creams are used over longer periods regularly without prescription pose a threat.
Effective use of this medicine includes using appropriate amounts in appropriate concentration only for the short term.
Consult a dermatologist if your skin condition doesn’t improve within a few weeks of application.
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