Have steroid ointments thinned your skin

[jiml]

For a large portion of my life I had my psoriasis treated with various topical steroid ointments and creams,which were quite effective at reducing the plaques. I was told by my doctors and dermatologist that one of the side effects was skin thinning, but being foolish I just wanted to be rid of the scales. I used them on and off for many years. I just kept putting in for repeat prescriptions and without question they were prescribed. I found after a few years that the slightest knock on my legs would rip the skin open. I used to be very self conscious about my psoriasis, and as an engineer I was constantly banging my legs, when out on sites and often excused myself and went to the privacy of my van to roll up my trousers to reveal blood pouring out so I got to carrying a roll of tube gauze with me and steri strips to repair the damage.
When I stopped using steroid creams it seemed as if my skin recovered a bit. But I still have to be careful, and was wondering if others have had the same experience or worse. Or was I just unlucky

[Caroline]

I hope I do not tear a wound open , but isn't it so that people who get a little older do get a thinner skin?

[jiml]

I hope I do not tear a wound open , but isn't it so that people who get a little older do get a thinner skin?

Perhaps i didn't word my post very well. I was younger when my skin thinned between 30-40 years old, it is relatively fine now, but I still have to be careful . I have noticed as I get older my skin is not so delicate and does not rip as easily

[mataribot]

This is one of the reasons I got so frustrated with creams. I brush something or whatever and my skin tears. Nothing scratching your scalp subconsciously and feeling something cold running down your face

[Fred]

@Caroline: It's true that your skin does get thinner as you get older, my Dads before he died was as thin as a cigarette paper and if he just rubbed against something it would peel off but he was almost 90. Steroid creams if used wrongly can make your skin go just like my Dads did, even in someone as young as you. (You little spring chicken)

@Mataribot: I also got frustrated with creams & gels due to the greasy feeling, but now with Stelara all is well, I assume the same is true for you and your skin is no longer thin ?

@Jim: Yes it's well known that steroid creams such as Dovobet (Daivobet) will thin a persons skin, and unfortunately not many people know how to use it correctly as they are not told by their GP and yes he/she will just keep bunging you the stuff on repeat prescription without even looking at your skin.

If used correctly however Dovobet is good for fighting those annoying flare-ups, but the recommended treatment period is only 4 weeks. Dovobet Ointment I have also found you need to wean yourself off it, as a sudden stop can cause a flare-up. On the rare occasion I do get a flare-up (usually in my toes) I put on with a cotton bud every other day for a few days and use a little less each day.

The main problem with the thinning of the skin is either using to much and/or to often. If you notice your skin is getting thin bring yourself off it gradually, don't just stop it and your skin should recover.

Used correctly steroid based creams can help, but you must follow the rules to the letter.

*Oh and Never Never use it on your face or genital area as they are are very sensitive to corticosteroids.

[mataribot]

*Oh and Never Never use it on your face or genital area as they are are very sensitive to corticosteroids.

Whoops. I use both low dose corticosteroids in both of those regions as directed by dermatologist. He said they can be used anywhere but the back of the throat for short term. He said it's the absorption rate in the genital area that can lead to complications. He said the absolute maximum length of use is 10 day's with two weeks off. Obviously, I have not verified this information.

I am not sure why I even use the creams anymore - my plaque does not respond to them anymore. However prednisone still works.

[jiml]

Big whoops from me as well I used them sparingly on my face and forehead when the need arose.
I always keep some in my cupboard in case I get a flare up on my face or scalp
Hopefully I won't need them anymore with my current treatment keeping it under control