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The Side Effects of Steroid Creams for Eczema

Topical steroid creams, also commonly referred to as corticosteroids, are one of the longest-established treatments for the skin condition eczema. Applying a steroid cream to skin affected by eczema can alleviate the itchiness and dryness associated with this condition, allowing the skin to heal. However, steroid cream use has several potential side effects, particularly with long-term use.

  1. Skin Thinning

    • Skin thinning, also known as skin atrophy, is perhaps the most common side effect of steroid cream use. Your chances of developing thin or fragile skin with steroid use are increased if you use a higher potency of cream or if you use a steroid cream for a prolonged period of time. People at a higher risk of developing skin atrophy include the elderly and people with already thin skin. The face and the backs of the hands are the areas of skin most susceptible to atrophy with steroid cream use.

    Contact Dermatitis

    • Contact dermatitis refers to skin conditions -- typically rashes or skin inflammation -- that develop when your skin contacts something you're allergic to. Steroid cream has several components that may commonly cause contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals. You may be allergic to the steroids, or to preservatives or lanolin substances in the steroid cream. Your chances of developing contact dermatitis as a result of steroid cream use are increased if you have a history of allergies.

    Rosacea

    • Somewhat ironically, steroid creams can function as either a cause or a cure for the skin condition rosacea. Most commonly affecting the face, and more prevalent among women than men, rosacea causes redness and itching around the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. If you use steroid cream on your face as an eczema treatment, be aware of the cream's potential to cause rosacea, particularly if you are female, fair-skinned and between the ages of 30 to 60 -- all risk factors for rosacea.

    Cushing's Syndrome

    • Cushing's syndrome may be caused by absorption of steroid creams into your body. Complications of Cushing's syndrome include high blood pressure, bone loss and -- in some cases -- the development of diabetes. According to Mayo Clinic, Cushing's syndrome may develop if your body is exposed to higher levels of the hormone cortisol in the long term. Substances in corticosteroids have a similar effect on your body as elevated cortisol levels.

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