What are Steroids' Topical Side Effects?
Corticosteroids can decrease swelling and allergic reactions when used orally or topically. Topical use in creams, lotions, ointments and gels can decrease itching, swelling, pain, hives and other skin reactions. Even though they are not ingested, topical steroids are strong enough to have potent side effects.
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Most Common Side Effects
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Topical steroids in any formulation are most often associated with stinging, redness, dryness, or burning at the application site.
Possible Side Effects
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Although infrequent, other side effects are possible with overuse or extended use of topical preparations. These effects include increased acne, increased hair growth, blisters, burns, decreased skin healing, numbness, thinning skin and bruising.
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Side Effects in Special Populations
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Children absorb more drug through the skin and so may have more side effects of steroids in the body. The largest concern in children is the side effect of reduced growth because of long-term or continued whole-body steroid use. Elderly people have thinner skin and thus absorb more steroid into the body as well. Concerns in these patients include skin tears or blisters; increased skin infection risk; worsened eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma and worsened diabetes because of intensified effects of glucose by steroids.
Causes of Increased Side Effects
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Increased body side effects, like weight or growth changes, can occur with prolonged steroid use on the skin. Increased rates or degrees of side effects may occur when skin is bandaged (i.e., covered with a dressing or wrapping) after a steroid is applied. This type of treatment may be suggested by a doctor for some skin disorders, but should not be attempted without a doctor's care.
Time Frame
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Corticosteroids often are used for weeks at a time under a doctor's care, depending on the disorder being treated. Extended or prolonged use can be discussed with a doctor and accounts for the amount time the drug is applied to the skin, the concentration of the drug and the amount of skin being treated.
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