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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Corticosteroids Effective In Treating Eczema?

How safe is medium-strength corticosteroid creme for treating large patches of eczema? I have been using it on and off for 5 years, trying to avoid using it for more than a week at a time. My eczema has gotten a lot worse this past year. Is it safe to use it over a large area of my body and for a longer period of time? I want my skin to clear up, but I don t want to cause other side effects or make things worse.
Mon, 27 Feb 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for your question.

While steroid creams are effective against several inflammatory skin conditions, prolonged use cause several side effects. There's a huge chance of developing the following side effects with such prolonged use as you have applied it;

1. Thinning of the skin
2. Easy bruisability.
3. Secondary skin infections
4. Dependence of the skin with display of withdrawal symptoms
5.Cushing's syndrome: a constellation of symptoms caused by steroid excess in the blood. The symptoms include humped back, muscle thinning and weakness, and lowered immunity.
6. Chronic redness and itching of the skin.

I'd advise you contact your doctor for a change in mode of treatments as you have a high chance of developing these side effects.

I hope I have answered your question

Best wishes.
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Are Corticosteroids Effective In Treating Eczema?

Hi, thanks for your question. While steroid creams are effective against several inflammatory skin conditions, prolonged use cause several side effects. There s a huge chance of developing the following side effects with such prolonged use as you have applied it; 1. Thinning of the skin 2. Easy bruisability. 3. Secondary skin infections 4. Dependence of the skin with display of withdrawal symptoms 5.Cushing s syndrome: a constellation of symptoms caused by steroid excess in the blood. The symptoms include humped back, muscle thinning and weakness, and lowered immunity. 6. Chronic redness and itching of the skin. I d advise you contact your doctor for a change in mode of treatments as you have a high chance of developing these side effects. I hope I have answered your question Best wishes.