Topical steroid withdrawal, also known as red burning skin and steroid dermatitis, has been reported in people who apply topical steroids for 2 weeks or longer and then discontinue use.[4][5][2][1] Symptoms affect the skin and include redness, a burning sensation, and itchiness,[2] which may then be followed by peeling.[2]
This condition generally requires the daily application of a topical steroid for more than 2 weeks but sometimes can occur with even less steroid use. It appears to be a specific adverse effect of topical corticosteroid use.[6] People with atopic dermatitis are most at risk.[3]
Treatment involves discontinuing the use of topical steroids,[2] either gradually or suddenly.[2] Counselling and cold compresses may also help.[2] Thousands of people congregate in online communities to support one another throughout the healing process, and cases have been reported in both adults and children.[2][1] It was first described in 1979.[3]
^ abcJuhász ML, Curley RA, Rasmussen A, Malakouti M, Silverberg N, Jacob SE (September–October 2017). "Systematic review of the topical steroid addiction and topical steroid withdrawal phenomenon in children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and treated with topical corticosteroids". Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association. 9 (5): 233–240. doi:10.1097/JDN.0000000000000331. S2CID80154596.
^Hajar T, Leshem YA, Hanifin JM, Nedorost ST, Lio PA, Paller AS, et al. (March 2015). "A systematic review of topical corticosteroid withdrawal ("steroid addiction") in patients with atopic dermatitis and other dermatoses". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 72 (3): 541–549.e2. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.11.024. PMID25592622.