Health Boards
Wed-01-09-2021, 02:12 AM
Welcome Forest!
Health care in the US as you know is a bit hit and miss. Some of it is excellent and some of it not good at all. I'm not sure if or when we may see that change for the better.
As for creams and ointments, steroids long term can indeed be bad and as you've noticed one of the side effects can be thinner skin. It's also possible to get a bad rash with prolonged usage : Red Burning Skin Syndrome (RBSS) or Topical Steroid Addiction or Withdrawal (TSA or TSW) (2, 3) is a complex condition that some doctors still disagree about. RBSS is common among people who depend on topical steroids for long-term management of their skin rash.
So although steroid creams can help short term with itching, long term can create issues. I alternate and use moisturizers such as coconut oil (I sometimes put some in a bowl and then submerge that bowl into a larger one that has hot water in it to melt and heat the oil, I find that for me it's easier to get down into my scalp and it feels really nice!) I also use over the counter moisturizers. But, when it gets really bad and irritated, I use Taclonex which is a prescribed steroid ointment (I like the gel over the lotion for scalp) If you have a dermatologist that won't discuss treatments other than topical with you then I would find another one.
Oooh roller skating. I spent MANY weekends at the roller rink in my younger days.
Good luck and you've found a great place for asking questions and getting information. Tons of info which I found really helpful with talking with my doctor!
Welcome again.
Health care in the US as you know is a bit hit and miss. Some of it is excellent and some of it not good at all. I'm not sure if or when we may see that change for the better.
As for creams and ointments, steroids long term can indeed be bad and as you've noticed one of the side effects can be thinner skin. It's also possible to get a bad rash with prolonged usage : Red Burning Skin Syndrome (RBSS) or Topical Steroid Addiction or Withdrawal (TSA or TSW) (2, 3) is a complex condition that some doctors still disagree about. RBSS is common among people who depend on topical steroids for long-term management of their skin rash.
So although steroid creams can help short term with itching, long term can create issues. I alternate and use moisturizers such as coconut oil (I sometimes put some in a bowl and then submerge that bowl into a larger one that has hot water in it to melt and heat the oil, I find that for me it's easier to get down into my scalp and it feels really nice!) I also use over the counter moisturizers. But, when it gets really bad and irritated, I use Taclonex which is a prescribed steroid ointment (I like the gel over the lotion for scalp) If you have a dermatologist that won't discuss treatments other than topical with you then I would find another one.
Oooh roller skating. I spent MANY weekends at the roller rink in my younger days.
Good luck and you've found a great place for asking questions and getting information. Tons of info which I found really helpful with talking with my doctor!
Welcome again.