So this isn't strictly AB related but I really wanted to get some opinions or see if anyone has seen studies on this.
Basically a coworker asked me today if I had any tips for her brother who's dealing with really bad eczema. I don't personally have it but I was more than happy to give her a list of the most hydrating stuff I've ever used. But then she told me her brother is actually going through some nasty withdrawal symptoms because he used steroid creams for too long and now she's terrified that my recommendations might have hidden steroids in them.
I told her there's no way these products have steroids but she was super insistent that I double check everything. Apparently he's tried everything from diaper rash cream to basic drugstore moisturizers and most didn't do anything but she claims some random products actually had "disguised" steroids in them which made his skin way worse.
Now I'm just confused-I always thought steroid creams were helpful for skin problems but that you needed a prescription for them. Can regular skincare companies even use them? Like I thought steroids were considered a drug so shouldn't those products be regulated and tested for years?
Has anyone here actually dealt with bad side effects from using steroids long term and do you have any advice I can pass along to her? Also if you have any safe recommendations for severe eczema that keeps flaring up because of this steroid stuff that would be amazing.
Edit: I'm gonna send my coworker the link to this post so hopefully she can show her brother all your suggestions!
yeah i’ve seen people freak out about “hidden steroids” before lol—pretty much anything you buy OTC shouldn’t have legit steroids in it, but i get why someone who’s been on strong creams would be cautious
ngl long-term steroid cream use can be rough, especially if your skin gets used to it and then freaks out when you stop. gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers and barrier creams usually help the most
wow that sounds rough for her brother. i’d probably just stick to basic stuff like ceramide-heavy creams and maybe oatmeal baths—stuff that’s hydrating without any risk of steroids
honestly the best advice might be to have a derm guide the process, especially if he’s dealing with withdrawal. OTC moisturizers can help but managing the flare safely is tricky without a pro
yeah prescription steroid creams are different from the stuff in drugstores—like you said, the strong ones are regulated and not in random skincare. but when someone’s already sensitive, even mild stuff can feel harsh sometimes
yeah steroid withdrawal can be brutal, I’ve seen a few people go through it. your coworker’s right to be cautious, but most normal over-the-counter moisturizers don’t have steroids hidden in them
prescription steroids are regulated, but the problem is people overusing them or stopping suddenly can cause the skin to freak out
for severe eczema after long-term steroid use, stuff like thick emollients, ceramide creams, or even barrier repair ointments can actually help without drugs
honestly just being gentle with the skin, avoiding harsh soaps, and keeping it super moisturized can go a long way while he recovers
might be worth checking with a dermatologist about non-steroid prescriptions too, like calcineurin inhibitors—they’re a safer long-term option for flare-ups
