Red Skin Syndrome re: worsening atopic dermatitis

Hi

yes you need to be balanced about steroids - good and bad points

there are other treatments though for really bad atopic eczema - you might benefit from specialist advice if things are that bad

Regards

Dr John Ashworth dermatologistUK

Hi,

Thanks for your commend Dr Ashworth. I'd just like to clarify that I'm suffering from a bad reaction to a drug. This is a withdrawal from an addiction to topical steroids, the symptoms of which are very (VERY) commonly misdiagnosed as eczema. Two very different things requiring two very different treatments.

When my withdrawal is complete I expect that I will still be an atopic individual but with 'normal' eczema (hands, elbows, knees etc). Full body eczema in adults wasn't heard of until the 1950s. Any individual that is experiencing tachyphylaxis (the drug has stopped working and you need to step up to stronger potencies to receive the same effect) would certainly benefit from Googling topical steroid addiction.

Just for background - every specialist I have ever seen has wet wrapped me in Dermovate, thus perpetuating the cycle of addiction.

Topical steroids are amazing drugs that can do wonders if used properly and in the short term. However, those that are addicted will only witness worsening skin and spreading, burning rashes.

Much love xxx

The burning and spreading dermatitis which comes with steroid dependant skin is so easily mistaken for eczema though. It's kind of insidious, but strange spread is a giveaway, my back was covered in rashes for while, so unlike normal eczema. Children are not allowed to normally grow out of eczema due to topical steroid

dependency acquired at some point in childhood. We end up treating steroid induced dermatitis with increased potencies of steroids. Doubt if the younger derms these days have ever seen the natural progression of

eczema without steroids, so they just can't recognise the appearance of steroid induced rashes. The

withdrawal is difficult, estimated to last from 10-30% of usage time. Well worth it for those who recognise the symptoms, but shame it's fully avoidable with education and awareness.

What you describe sounds exactly like what I am suffering from. I've been using topical steroid ointments for 40 years to control my eczema, and it kept getting worse and worse and the ointments got stronger and stronger. Now I am off all steroid meds and the rash is much much worse but doesn't look like any eczema I ever had. I am hoping that it will heal eventually on its own.

Skinmiz, long term topical steroid users are clearly more likely to develop steroid induced dermatitis, but a dependency can form within 5 days. The number of children withdrawing from topicals on support sites is testimony to this.

Good luck if you decide to go down the withdrawal route, there is plenty support if you need it online for this, as the withdrawal progresses it gets tough as the rashes spread to areas never known to have eczema or steroids.

Hi MissKitty, as mentioned before, steroid and cortisone creams are no good for your health. You should use natural conditioners and creams. I had a similar problem and I discovered a cream called Coresatin. My friend gave me a sample and then I bought it. It is steroid free. Blue and yellow coresatin creams are the best. try this and let me know about the results.

Hi Emilco, thanks for your comment. During addiction and withdrawal the skin can become incredibly sensitive to anything and everything (many false positive will be discovered when looking for the 'hidden allergen'). Most people just go with Vaseline for the extreme dryness. Time is the only healing factor here.

I'd just like to clarify for anyone else reading this discussion that I am not anti-steroid. I appreciate that topical corticosteroids have a brilliant place in treating inflammation and improving lives. However, in some small minority of cases, an addiction will have been misdiagnosed as worsening or chronic eczema. Anyone whose life is in a disordered state of misery with their skin right now who has received no helpful advise so far can look into Topical Steroid Addiction can see if they fit the bill and get their life back (like I now have).

Hi everyone,

This discussion forum is very informative. Does anyone have recommendations for a good dermatologist that possesses experience with steroid withdrawal symptoms, preferably based in London?

I myself have been withdrawing from topical steroids for quite some time now.

Many thanks