For those of us who have experienced the unrelenting itch of eczema, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish whether the rash is from an allergen (food, chemicals, pollen, etc) or whether the rash is a sign that your skin is addicted to the steroid creams you have been using to treat the eczema. Click here to learn more about the difference and what to do if you are in fact addicted to the steroid creams.

If you are addicted to the topical steroid creams and that is now the cause of your worsening eczema, the International Topical Steroid Addiction Network (ITSAN) will be an important resource for you. You can go there to learn more about steroids and what to expect during the withdrawal process. You can also see real life case examples and join an online support group to help you through the difficult withdrawal period.

Most times there’s no way to be certain that you are addicted to the steroid creams without stopping them and watching for signs of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (a.k.a. Red Skin Syndrome). Prior to stopping the creams, you are just continuing in the endless cycle of “worsening eczema” and, if it is indeed the creams causing the problem, the withdrawal symptoms are the only indication of this addiction.

ITSAN compiled a list of the most common symptoms of Topical Steroid Addiction and the most common symptoms of Topical Steroid Withdrawal. Review the symptom list below for Topical Steroid Addiction and this may give you an indication of whether you might be addicted to the creams. If you are, and if you’re ready to end this addiction and move through the Topical Steroid Withdrawal process, look at the symptom list below for Topical Steroid Withdrawal. The symptoms on this second list don’t begin for an addicted person until he/she stops using the creams. Stopping the creams is what triggers the withdrawal period and it is often a necessary process if you want to end the cycle of “worsening eczema” and regain your health. I am not a doctor and do not recommend stopping any prescription medication without first consulting with a qualified doctor.

Most Common Symptoms of Topical Steroid Addiction*

These occur while an addicted person is still using the topical steroid creams.

• ‘Rebound’ redness between applications
• Rashes spreading and developing in new areas of the body
• Intense itching, burning, stinging
• Failure to clear with usual course of treatment, requiring a higher potency topical steroid to achieve progressively less clearing.
• Increased allergic response

Most Common Symptoms of Topical Steroid Withdrawal*

These occur when an addicted person stops using the topical steroid creams and enters the withdrawal phase.

• Skin flushing bring red, resembling a sunburn
• Visible and measurable flaking of skin – appears to be ‘snowing’
• Oozing exudate
• Skin cycling between oozing, swelling, burning, and flaking
• Red sleeves: (arms/legs become red and inflamed, sparing palms/soles)
• Thermoregulation altered (feeling too cold or too hot)
• Hypersensitivity of the skin to water, movement, moisturizer, fabrics, temperature, etc.
• Nerve pain, sometimes described as “sparklers” or “zingers”
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Edema
• Eye dryness and irritation
• Skin atrophy (often manifesting as “elephant wrinkles”)
• Hair loss: (head and/or body)
• Insomnia and altered body clock
• Appetite changes
• Fatigue
• Emotional fluctuations, depression, anxiety

*These lists were compiled by the International Topical Steroid Addiction Network (ITSAN).

You can read about my healing journey through Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) here. I’m now eczema free and loving it!

Please leave a comment below if you think you might be addicted to steroid creams, or if you have experienced Topical Steroid Withdrawal. We can all learn from one another!