Are steroid creams bad?

[Gabbyeva54]

I have recently started using steroid creams again, after give or take five years, and for once I am actually almost clear. I can't remember the last time that had happened. I know sooner or later my body will adjust and it will stop working, but at the moment is it bad to use it for my body?

[tracynoe Volunteer]

I think long term use causes problems as it can thin the skin. I have to use steroid creams on and off and have done since being very small. What my GP now does is give me the ointment as it stays on the skin for longer which means I can use it for a shorter time.

When you get your skin clear instead of just abruptly stopping why not try a gradual reduction in use until you can stop altogether your body might respond better

[johnsmith]

I used steroid creams for years. It took years after I stopped using them for my skin to be okay.

I was able to stop because I discovered taking evening primrose oil removed my problem with eczema.

[lovesradio]

I try to limit use of steroids due to their skin thinning properties, but use patches and flare ups. Will investigate the evening primrose oil solution, thanks

[Hidden]

According to the Dermatologists that I have been seeing, it is the oral steroids that cause the thinning of the skin and not the steroid creams. I have been using a 'potent' cream for at least 10 year, with no visible thinning and a 'very potent' cream for a year. the Dermatologists tell me to 'slosh' it on!

[Voula]

Orals do not thin the skin, they damage your internal organs, weaken your bones etc...look up the risks. Topicals will thin the skin and destroy nerve endings and constrict your blood vessels. as your skin is the largest organ, topical steroids will be absorbed into your body and eventually mess with your immune system, hormones etc...

[Hidden in reply to Voula]

I am quoting what Consultant Dermatologists [and, Ophthalmologists] have told me. I am not quoting what Dr Google says, nor am I advocating covering every inch of your skin with very potent steroid creams

[troy04 in reply to Hidden]

Steroid creams can cause thinning of the skin too - according to NHS: nhs.uk/conditions/Corticost...

However, it seems that the damage (skin thinning) caused by steroid cream is insignificant comparing the benefits it may bring.

Oral steroids (or injection) definitely cause skin thinning severely - so it is not hard to understand why "Consultant Dermatologists" advises so.

I think we can let the experts (doctors) make the judgement on individual basis.