If you’ve ever used a topical steroid to treat your eczema, you likely experienced withdrawal symptoms – this is known as Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW).
Though TSW (Transdermal Scleral Hyperplasia) is an uncommon side effect of topical steroids, it can be extremely painful and life-threatening if left untreated. That’s why it’s essential to understand what TSW is, how it works, and when to seek medical assistance.
Symptoms
If you have ever used topical steroids to treat your skin conditions, chances are you experienced topical steroid withdrawal (also referred to as red skin syndrome and TSW). Although not common, this reaction can be extremely uncomfortable and distressing.
When people use high-potency topical steroids for prolonged periods, their body becomes hypersensitive to the drugs, making them more vulnerable to developing TSW when they discontinue usage abruptly.
TSW may present with symptoms similar to atopic dermatitis, another skin condition caused by topical steroids. These include itching, burning, peeling, swelling and sores that ooze.
TSW symptoms often manifest themselves in clusters and can be extremely painful. This makes it difficult to move around, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
In addition to itching and burning, TSW skin may also be more vulnerable to infections due to a compromised immune system that cannot fight off potential infections as effectively.
Some infections that affect TSW skin can be severe and require antibiotics for treatment. If your infection is causing you pain, it’s essential to consult your doctor about available treatments.
It’s also essential to get enough rest. Sleeping a lot will aid your body in recovering from TSW effects and replenishing energy stores.
TSW may cause insomnia and fatigue, making it difficult to get through the day. This could result in poor work performance or difficulty focusing.
People living with TSW often experience other symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Although these can be challenging to manage, medication is available that can help lessen the effects and make life more bearable.
Some sufferers find relief through counseling or support groups. These gatherings offer emotional comfort as well as practical advice on managing TSW symptoms. It’s essential to remember that TSW is an uncommon disorder which can be managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnosis
If someone with eczema has developed TSW, it is imperative to see a doctor for diagnosis. Unfortunately, TSW is often misdiagnosed as an acute flare up of their underlying skin condition and treated incorrectly, leading to unnecessary steroid usage and worsening symptoms.
TSW is typically caused by the use of mid to high potency topical steroids, such as triamcinolone 0.1 to 0.5% cream or ointment and mometasone 0.1% cream or ointment. Applying steroids directly onto the face or groin area also increases the likelihood of TSW, since these areas absorb more chemicals than other parts of the body.
TSW may cause red, itchy and burning skin; however, these symptoms are usually temporary and usually resolve within a few weeks.
Diagnosing TSW can be difficult due to the lack of a definitive test. However, doctors can assess a person’s symptoms and medical history for possible other causes that might present with similar signs and symptoms.
In addition to itching and redness, people with TSW often experience other symptoms like a dry, itchy mouth, swollen lips, and swollen eyes. These conditions may cause someone to lose sleep or become depressed.
These symptoms can be extremely frustrating and confusing, so it’s essential to seek medical help. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose TSW and provide management of the signs.
Dermatologists can prescribe medication to treat eczema and other skin conditions that might cause TSW. This treatment may help you reduce your symptoms and get better faster.
TSW is a rare condition that affects only a few people. As it’s difficult to predict how long someone will recover from TSW and what their outlook might be, it’s essential that you speak with a doctor if you have any queries or worries.
Treatment
Topical steroids are widely used to treat various skin conditions, such as eczema and contact dermatitis. They reduce inflammation, redness and pain in affected areas of the skin.
Steroids can be an effective treatment for certain chronic illnesses, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, they reduce swelling and itching in the skin.
Topical steroids can have side effects if used too frequently or for an extended period. One potential adverse reaction associated with topical steroid usage that is yet to be fully understood is TSW (topical steroid withdrawal).
Skin conditions such as Eczema can be identified by red, itchy or dry patches on the skin. Symptoms may range in intensity and persist for weeks or months at a time.
TSW (transient skin reaction) can occur in people who have been using high or mid-potency topical steroids, such as those for psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, on a regular basis. Adults who regularly utilize topical corticosteroids have an increased likelihood of experiencing TSW.
Topical steroids may also trigger TSW in children with atopic dermatitis who use them for skin treatments. It has been speculated that TSW may be caused by the autoimmune reactions experienced when individuals with these disorders use topical steroids on their skin.
TSW (Traumatic Shyness Disorder) can be an exasperating and unpleasant experience, but it usually has a cure. Although TSW may lead to emotional distress, there are usually ways of managing it effectively.
To find relief, it’s important to speak with your doctor about available treatment options. They can decide which is most suitable for you based on your symptoms and medical history.
Many find it beneficial to find a support group or therapist who can offer advice on managing TSW symptoms. They may also assist in creating healthy coping mechanisms, which may be effective in alleviating the most intense symptoms.
Another option is to discuss with your healthcare provider about taking medication that could alleviate TSW symptoms, such as dupilumab. While this treatment has proved successful for some individuals, more research needs to be done in order to confirm its safety and effectiveness for those suffering from TSW.
Additionally, ensure you get enough sleep and avoid stress. These are essential steps in replenishing your energy levels and improving overall wellbeing.
Prevention
Topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) syndrome is a severe, but treatable side effect associated with prolonged and improper use of moderate to high potency topical corticosteroids. These agents have long been used for treating eczema and other skin conditions; however, excessive usage can lead to an abnormal microbiome in the skin that has numerous undesirable consequences.
Despite these worries, a significant proportion of dermatological practitioners still use these agents regularly. As such, physicians need to be more aware of the potential risks and withdrawal if these agents are prescribed repeatedly or in high concentrations. Furthermore, those who frequently prescribe such drugs should be better equipped to detect TSW early and manage it appropriately.
Patients with eczema or other conditions that may benefit from topical steroids should follow their doctor’s recommendations regarding dosage, frequency and duration of use. Doing this helps minimize withdrawal symptoms if patients have previously become intolerant to these agents.
TSW (Tracheal Sheathing Wrinkles) is most common among women who use mid- or high-potency topical steroid creams on their face or genitals for extended periods. Additionally, those who do not adhere to a strict regimen of decreasing the dosage or taking periodic breaks from using these steroids have an increased likelihood of experiencing TSW symptoms.
TSW (Tropical Steroid Hypersensitivity) is a serious, but treatable, adverse reaction to topical steroids. Therefore, physicians must recognize symptoms as soon as possible in order to accurately assess patient condition and avoid misdiagnosis, increase in steroid therapy dosage or worsening of existing AD.
It is essential for patients to become educated on the signs and symptoms of TSW. This can be accomplished by speaking to their dermatologist or reaching out to organizations like ITSAN for support.
The NEA is dedicated to raising awareness about TSW and encouraging healthcare professionals to consider it when treating patients with severe eczema or other skin conditions requiring frequent steroid use. We believe the most effective way to avoid TSW is by eliminating topical steroids altogether.