Why should you be cautious about using Topical Steroids? 

The side effects could be dangerous. 

There - we said it. 

After 60 years of the medical world having a love affair with steroids, the public is just now realizing that corticosteroids and hydrocortisone may not be as safe and harmless as touted by medical professionals around the world. 

We believe that there are incredible benefits from using them under EXTREME supervision of a well-informed Medical Practitioner. 

However, we do NOT believe that Hydrocortisone should be available Over-The-Counter. In fact, neither did the American Academy of Dermatology as they actively lobbied against it becoming so readily available to the public without a prescription. 

Another aspect of Topical Steroid side effects are that the Benefits vs. Risks have not been properly documented over the years. So there is an implied umbrella of it being safe since adverse drug reactions have not being reported as often as they should have been.  

" Despite the legal obligation to report to regulatory agencies observed adverse drug reactions, the clinical practice of reporting is rather poor and incomplete. It is estimated that the majority of the moderate to severe side effects will never be reported to regulatory authorities, especially since the drug in question {Corticosteroids} was introduced a long time ago. " 

 We hope to be a voice representing many that   have suffered silently for far too long. 

These slides  are part of our Topical Steroid Public Awareness Campaign to help spread awareness and diligence to the medical community as well as the public.

Topical Steroid Side Effects are not being reported as ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS as often as they occur. 

Yes, CorticoSteroids are necessary and extremely helpful for so many medical situations, however they should not be offered as the magic drug as they have been, especially for long-term chronic conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis. 

Topical Steroid Side Effects on Intra-Ocular Pressure shows accelerated potential of complications of Glaucoma and Cataracts - even for younger patients!

Topical Steroid Rebound Phenomenon is real. Prescriptions disclose to NOT use more than 2 weeks at a time, otherwise Adrenal Suppression may occur. 

Once the Adrenals get wind of CORTISOL being introduced artificially by HydroCortisone and Topical Steroids, the Adrenals reduce their output of the body's natural immune hormone, CORTISOL.   Yeah, good luck with that...

Risks of pregnancy related complications with using Topical Steroids need to be considered carefully with your caring Medical Practitioner. 

Growth retardation is a possibility since CORTISOL is also part of the growth hormone system and would be reduced upon topical application continuously. 

Because their skin is naturally thinner, their absoption rates are higher. That needs to be calculated in ratio to the prescription given. 

Body Temperature is moderated by the Endocrine System. Once the body becomes "Topical Steroid Addicted" it is more difficult for temperature and metabolism control. 

Topical Steroid Addiction can set in and cause anxiety and restless sleep patterns. 

Ironically Topical Steroids are known to cause thing of skin, which makes skin more susceptible to Contact dermatitis and Sun Damage and Steroid Induced Rosacea. 

The nature of the beast is simple. Steroids are an immuno-suppressant.  Infections have a higher success rate on someone who has a compromised immune system. We feel your pain...really we do. 

The LONG-TERM Side Effects of Topical Steroids are fascinating. Unfortunately the medical establishment is not as fascinated as we are and the thousands that have suffered alone without the support of their doctors acknowledging the cause and effect of using Corticosteroids long term. 

Aggressive behavior?  Steroids are known to trigger an imbalance of hormones. Enough said. 

Add Skin Sensitivity to Low Temperature Tolerance and that should make for an interesting tug of war for the thermostat at home, office and car.  Basic activities such as showers become painful chores for those suffering from Topical Steroid Addiction and Withdrawal. 

Not only are babies at higher risk for Contact dermatitis in their private parts, but absorption is so much higher in the most vulnerable of reproductive areas. 

Hair loss is just one bonus to the many struggles of those dealing with Topical Steroid Addiction and trying to withdraw on their own!

Ever wonder how Hydrocortisone and Topical Steroids work magically, yet symptoms keep coming back with a vengeance?   It's not magic. It's Steroid Rebound Phenomenon and it's real. 

So many patients reported being ridiculed at the mere mention of Topical Steroid Side Effects. That is is part of the reason so many patients opt out of returning and reporting the true ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS to the doctor that simply upgrades the prescription to a higher dosage instead of helping the patient diagnose the root cause. 

Yes. This is real. But this is NOT the way to treat long-term chronic conditions and sabotage the entire immune system. 

We applaud the doctors in INDIA for being the first to bring attention to the Ministry of Health to reverse the law that allowed Hydrocortisone to be sold Over-The-Counter.  Extreme cases of Topical Steroid Addiction has been cited in India due to abuse with skin-lightening methods. 

Help us spread the word.