Australian Woman Shares Her Story of Steroid Cream Withdrawal
Eczema is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. For those suffering from its debilitating symptoms, finding relief can be a challenging and ongoing battle. For many, topical steroids provide a much-needed respite from the itchiness, redness, and discomfort associated with eczema. However, what happens when the very treatment that is meant to help becomes the cause of more harm?
A Shocking Experience
Amy Moldenhauer, a 20-year-old woman from Australia, recently shared her harrowing journey with steroid cream withdrawal. Having used steroid creams for eczema since her childhood, she had grown dependent on them to manage her condition. But in July 2022, she made the brave decision to stop using them altogether, only to be met with agonizing consequences.
Her skin became unbearably sensitive, with even the slightest touch causing excruciating pain. Her entire body, from her limbs to her palms and soles, turned a fiery red, resembling severe burns. The ensuing process of dripping, swelling, burning, and peeling of the skin was a nightmare she couldn’t escape.
Life became unbearable for Amy as dead skin cells covered her bed like dandruff, and relentless itching kept her awake at night. Throughout the day, she found herself scratching until her skin bled. To make matters worse, she experienced other troubling symptoms such as neuralgia, swollen lymph nodes, oedema, dry eyes, skin atrophy, hair loss, insomnia, extreme fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
The Reality of Topical Steroid Withdrawal
Amy’s ordeal was not an isolated incident. What she experienced is known as ‘topical steroid withdrawal (TSW)’, commonly referred to as ‘red skin syndrome’. When individuals abruptly cease the use of topical steroid creams like corticosteroids or hydrocortisone, this severe reaction can occur.
While these creams are meant to reduce inflammation and provide relief for conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis, prolonged usage can lead to worsening symptoms if discontinued without caution. Steroid withdrawal can manifest through burning, oozing, peeling, swelling, redness, wrinkling, cracking, itching, hair loss, insomnia, chills, fatigue, and depression.
Although the skin eventually returns to normal, the road to recovery is lengthy and arduous. It is crucial for individuals to consult their healthcare providers about the potential side effects when using steroid-containing medications, even when applied topically. Working closely with specialists and following prescribed guidelines can help alleviate symptoms and prevent exacerbation of the condition.
A Glimpse of Hope
Fortunately, Amy’s courageous journey toward healing took a turn for the better in August 2023, and her skin condition has nearly recovered completely. In an effort to raise awareness and encourage caution among others facing similar situations, she bravely shares her story.
Eczema is a demanding condition that requires the utmost care and precision in its management. By shedding light on the potential risks associated with steroid creams, Amy hopes to empower others to approach their treatment options with utmost caution.
[By Jang Nayeong, Digital News Department Intern Journalist]
Topical steroid cream, side effect risk counseling required
“The skin returns to normal after a long time.”
↑ Australian woman suffering from steroid withdrawal/Photo = Capture of The Sun press release
A story was told about an Australian woman who had been using steroid cream for eczema for a long time, and when she stopped using the cream, she suffered from dead skin cells all over her body falling off like dandruff.
According to the British media ‘The Sun’, Amy Moldenhauer, a 20-year-old woman living in Australia, had been using steroid creams for a long time for eczema since she was young, but in July 2022, she was in excruciating pain after deciding to stop using steroid creams altogether.
My skin became so sensitive that even the slightest touch of wind caused excruciating pain, and my whole body, including my limbs, palms and soles, turned red as if I had been severely burned.
In addition, the process of dripping, swelling, burning and peeling of the skin was repeated.
Amy explained that in the morning her bed was full of dead skin cells, she couldn’t sleep because the itching was so bad, and she spent most of the day scratching until it bled.
In addition, symptoms of neuralgia, swollen lymph nodes, oedema, dry eyes, skin atrophy, hair loss, insomnia, extreme fatigue, depression and anxiety occurred.
The symptoms Amy experienced were ‘topical steroid withdrawal (TSW)’.
Also known as ‘red skin syndrome’.
This is a side effect that can occur when you stop using topical steroid creams such as corticosteroids or hydrocortisone.
According to the National Eczema Association, the cream is used to reduce inflammation in people with eczema, atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis, but it can worsen the condition if discontinued after long-term use.
Steroid withdrawal can include burning, oozing, peeling, swelling, redness, wrinkling, cracking, itching, hair loss, insomnia, chills, fatigue and depression.
The skin eventually returns to normal, but it is confirmed that it takes a long time.
Therefore, when using drugs containing steroids, even when applied topically, you must consult your doctor about the risk of side effects.
This drug is commonly used to treat diseases such as atopic dermatitis and eczema, so it is safe when used carefully and with a prescription from a specialist.
It can help relieve symptoms and prevent them from getting worse.
Fortunately, Amy’s skin condition finally began to improve in August 2023 and has almost completely recovered.
She shares her story to encourage people in similar situations to be careful not to use steroids.
[장나영 디지털뉴스부 인턴기자 jangnayoungny@gmail.com]
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