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Uses for Corticosteroids

Often referred to as steroids, corticosteroids are very different from the anabolic version that is used to increase muscle and power. These are a synthetic version of the body's hormone, cortisol. These are among the best anti-inflammatory medications available and are used to relieve a variety of conditions.

  1. Skin Conditions

    • Corticosteroids are used to treat many skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Topical corticosteroids are very effective in reducing the inflammation and healing of the red, itchy patches associated with these diseases. Depending on the area of the body being treated, corticosteroids come in the form of cream, lotion or gel. Treatment should be limited to short periods, due to the potential side effects that can include the thinning of skin as well as cataracts.

    Chronic Pain

    • For those who suffer from chronic pain due to aggravated nerves, corticosteroids can be very effective. Administered in the form of injections, inflammation can decrease and relief can come rather quickly. Back pain sufferers tend to benefit from this type of treatment. Unfortunately, due to the harmful side effects of bone loss density and weakened muscles, corticosteroid injections should be limited to three or four times per year.

    Respiratory Diseases

    • Corticosteroids are also very effective in treating respiratory diseases such as asthma. Inhaled and nasal corticosteroids are both widely prescribed to help prevent conditions from getting worse. Inhaled corticosteroids are intended to reduce the swelling of the airways to the lungs. This treatment should be used daily for several weeks before any change is noticed. Nasal corticosteroids are helpful in reducing the inflammation of the nose. This reduction of congestion can greatly help make breathing easier for asthmatics.

    Inflammatory Diseases

    • Inflammatory diseases can appear in many forms, including arthritis, tendinitis and colitis. In these cases, inflammation tends to be chronic and severe. Oral corticosteroids are often prescribed for these types of conditions due to their powerful ability to decrease inflammation in the body. Although they are one of the most effective types of corticosteroids, they do come with many potentially dangerous side effects, including mood swings, menstrual irregularities, sleep problems, weight gain and dizziness.

    Warning

    • The above side effects are only some of the potential ones that corticosteroids can cause. Be sure to contact your doctor right away if you notice any adverse reactions from your course of corticosteroid treatment.

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