Why Topical Steroids Are Bad For Eczema
If you have eczema, you may be prescribed topical steroids in order to reduce the redness, inflammation, and itching associated with this condition. However, there are many reasons why it’s important not to rely on topical steroids for long-term relief from eczema, even if your doctor has approved their use. Here are some of the negative effects that can result from using topical steroids repeatedly and what you can do instead to alleviate your symptoms as well as prevent future flare-ups.
- Damage your skin in the long-run
Topical steroids have been a mainstay in dermatologist's offices for many years. They are used to treat moderate to severe eczema and psoriasis, but they come with serious side effects that may actually lead to more skin problems down the road. There is evidence showing that long-term use of topical steroids can cause thinning of the skin, which can make it more susceptible to injury or infection. Long-term topical steroid use has also been shown to weaken connective tissue, meaning the skin will be less able to heal and repair itself. Constant use of topical steroids can even cause stretch marks on your body where the medication is applied; making these creams not just bad for your face but also your body!
- Topical Steroid Allergy
In some cases, topical steroids may cause an allergic reaction to develop. This can be caused by the steroids themselves or through the use of too strong a steroid for your skin type. The most common symptoms of topical steroid allergy are red, itchy skin and hives, but these symptoms can vary depending on the individual. Other symptoms of topical steroid allergy include blisters, cracked skin and dark patches on the skin. These reactions to topical steroids may also be accompanied by more severe symptoms such as asthma or anaphylaxis.
- Skin Atrophy
They are usually prescribed for the treatment of eczema. This is because they are very effective at reducing inflammation, redness, and discomfort. However, it has been found that topical steroid use over time can lead to thinning skin. The reason for this is unclear, but it is most likely due to the reduction in natural oils in the skin. The lack of these oils leads to a loss of elasticity which in turn causes the skin's surface to become thinner and more fragile. When someone with eczema uses topical steroids too much or too often, this can lead to permanent changes in the thickness and quality of their skin.
- No effect on itchiness
They are often recommended for eczema due to the fact that they can reduce inflammation and dry out the skin. However, many people find that topical steroids are ineffective against their itchiness and make their eczema worse in other ways. These side effects include: thinning of the skin, acne breakouts, premature aging, thickening of the skin, changes in mood or behavior, weight gain from fluid retention, rosacea flare-ups from rebound irritation.
- Too many steroids means you won’t respond well to other treatments
Oral steroids and topical steroids are similar in that they both produce the same effect: suppressing the immune system. When you take oral steroids, your body is flooded with high levels of corticosteroids which suppress your immune system for a short period of time. When you use topical steroids, you put the medication on your skin and it's absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. This type of application provides long-lasting relief, but it also means that your immune system will remain suppressed for a longer period of time because it can't recover as well.
Oral corticosteroid therapy can be very beneficial in cases where eczema is severely inflamed and intense itching won’t stop without relief.
- The side effects
If you are suffering from eczema, topical steroids may seem like a quick fix to clear up your skin. The reality is that they can cause serious side effects such as skin thinning and increased pigmentation. They also have the potential to increase the risk of infection, especially if you have broken skin or an open wound on your body.
It's important to remember that topical steroids only treat the symptoms of eczema - they do not cure it. As soon as you stop using them, your symptoms will return with a vengeance. This means that topical steroids only provide temporary relief for those who suffer from eczema, which is why they should be avoided at all costs in favor of other treatments such as moisturisers and steroid injections.
Why use KARE Eczema Soother Toner instead
KARE Eczema Soother Toner is a topical solution for eczema that can help reduce the symptoms of itchiness, and inflammation without adding any steroids to your skin. It contains a unique blend of Organic fruit acid, bitter orange extract, organic vegetable glycerine, and water which work together to soothe the skin and provide relief. This formula also provides an antibacterial effect, which can help prevent infections in open wounds and sores. The toner is free from alcohol, fragrance, and other irritating ingredients. Use together with our KARE Body Soother Cream/ KARE Skin Soother Moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated and moisturised.
If you have been struggling with eczema or are just looking for an alternative product to use on your skin, give our KARE Eczema Soother Toner a try!
Uses of KARE Eczema Soother Toner
KARE's Eczema Soother Toner is a solution that can be used to reduce the severity of eczema itchiness and redness. It works by creating a barrier on the skin that protects the affected area from outside irritants while also delivering a continuous supply of healing ingredients.
Here are some common uses for our product:
- Reduces inflammation in eczematous flares
- Controls itchiness and irritation due to eczema
- Non-drying to the skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Eliminates scaly patches found in eczema sufferers
- Helps relieve the sensation of itching associated with eczema
Conclusion
Taking topical steroids can be a quick fix to manage the symptoms of eczema, but they have a lot of adverse side effects. Prolonged use can also lead to increased susceptibility to infections and other health conditions. If you're suffering from eczema, you can use KARE Eczema Soother Toner that helps with managing it.