Cortisone and Skin Damage

[jagendog]

I have sworn off Cortisone forever and the way Dermatologists prescribe it by the tube after tube ad nauseum....I must have 8 tubes of this skin thinner and regret the way I have used way too much over the years. My wife who is a clinical Pharmacist warned me that skin damage would be the end result, but that's all they gave me by the bucket full. I now have been using the new non-Cortisonal," Tazarotene" cream at $75.00 US for 30 gram small tube, The gel of the same is over $700.00 US per tube thanks to Big Pharm. The Flesh on my elbow and knee is so thin it bleeds at will, leaving behind an angry red mess that seems to be the end of normal skin ever coming back. Thank You For This Forum and You Folks and my everlasting Rants, Best Regards...........

[Fred]

No steroid creams/gels should be used long term, it's a well known fact that they can thin the skin. I would suggest it's time to find yourself a better dermatologist.

You are welcome to rant

[jagendog]

Fred, Can you move this if it not in the correct part of the forum ??>  Thanks  Don

[Fred]

Fred, Can you move this if it not in the correct part of the forum ??>  Thanks  Don

I think it's ok here Don as it is about prescribed treatments

[Turnedlight]

The way I’ve been prescribed it has been very controlled - ‘use exactly this amount for this many days/ weeks and stop.’ Etc etc. I found hydrocortisone cream to be a real lifesaver when I first got psoriasis, it was very bad on my elbows, I couldn’t straighten my arms, it bled, couldn’t sleep etc. The cream got rid of it entirely and I didn’t get any more psoriasis for about a decade.

However.. later on I tried it again and it just didn’t work. I also know someone who has very thin easily damaged skin on their arms because of it. But I wouldn’t write it off entirely as it was so successful for me once.

I’ve not heard of Tazarotene but it sounds a bit like carotene so does it contain vit A?

I’m sorry to hear you are getting problems - the person I know has used rosehip oil to help strengthen the skin where it’s thinned. I believe they have got good results with some perseverance..

[Fred]

I’ve not heard of Tazarotene but it sounds a bit like carotene so does it contain vit A?

Quote:

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Tazorac (tazarotene) is a compound similar to vitamin A. It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and may improve the appearance and texture of skin.

Tazorac is used to treat acne vulgaris in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old.

Tazorac is also used to treat plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the skin) in adults.

Tazorac is available as a cream or gel.

[jiml]

Hi again Don. I spent years on  steroid creams on and off and had a repeat prescription and just kept using it  apart from summer time when I relied on the sun to get me clear..
It wasn't until my skin started splitting at the slightest knock that I decided not to use it as much. But thankfully the tablets I'm on are keeping me clear so hopefully won't need to use it except in emergencies

It's a shame you hace to pat so much for your medications
Great rant by the way

[mataribot]

I don't use steroid creams anymore. I refuse them all. I am no longer willing to trade short term reliefe for worsening psoriasis and long term skin damange.

[Caroline]

I don't use steroid creams anymore. I refuse them all. I am no longer willing to trade short term reliefe for worsening psoriasis and long term skin damange.

Very good to imagine.
I really wonder why dermatologists keep on prescribing steroids for common use. They are the ones who know best what it does for the skin.
I am a normal human being and if I was a dermatologist, then I would only prescribe it for short periods and only on serious moments.

[Kat]

I remember looking up information on creams, ointments etc and running across some information from people who had used steroid creams. 

Red Skin Syndrome: People who use steroids long-term may develop red skin syndrome (RSS). When this happens, your medication will gradually become less and less effective at clearing your skin. Eventually, using these medications will cause your skin to turn red and itch or burn — even in places where you didn’t apply the steroid.

My understanding is that Red Skin Syndrome can occur if people over use steroid creams, then stop suddenly.

Since I knew that it could cause the skin to thin, I've always tried to be very cautious.  I use it about.... 3-4 times per year.  When things just get too uncomfortable I will use it for some temporary relief as I'm not on anything else at the moment.

I found that thread, it refers to TSW which I believe is the same thing.  But steroid creams should be used sparingly.  Here's the link TSW (Topical Steroid Withdrawal)