Topical Steroids are another name for a group of prescription only

 sent this out today to my folks, and newsletter folks but thought some of you may also want to see the information.

 
Topical steroids are another name for a group of prescription only medications administered by doctors and dermatologists.  Their uses are common for many skin disorders and diseases such as psoriasis,eczema, acne, dermatitis, and rashes.
Although they may work initially you will tend to rapidly develop a tolerance to them.  These creams contain synthetic steroids, which are easily absorbed into your skin.  Once absorbed they are able to stop a wide variety of inflammation causing chemicals that are normally released when your skin reacts to allergens or irritation.
If no remedial action is taken, the inflammation causing chemicals widen the blood vessels and cause redness and swelling.  So the steroid cream prevents this release with in the skin; the inflammation is reduced and relief of symptoms like itchiness is provided.
However, these topical treatments often cause serious side effects both internally and to the skin itself.
Of the internal side effects, the most dangerous is probably the adrenal gland suppression.  The use of topical steroids is also dangerous as it slows down the body’s production of natural steroids. That alone increases the likelihood of then attaining unforeseen illness once you stop using the cream.
In addition some of the more significant internal side effects include: Cushing’s Syndrome, fluid retention, raised blood pressure, diabetes, increased aggression, anaphylactic shock, birth defects, blood clotting, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, gynecomastia (that means male breast enlargement), hair loss, kidney and liver problems, prostate enlargement and testicular atrophy. 
The side effects to the skin can also be very serious and can include (but are not limited to):
Skin thinning also known as atrophy, and stretch marks also known as striae.  Thinning can also occur when steroids are applied under plastic gloves or bags.  This is a short term treatment however that is  used for very short periods of time and always under the direct supervision of a doctor or nurse. 
The problem is that many people do not know about this serious side effect, and will often cover the greasy application on their own at home or when at work or school. 
Easy bruising and tearing of the skin, and a rash around the mouth known as perioral dermatitis and enlarged blood vessels (telangiectasia) are other side effects.
And if that is not enough! It also leaves the skin susceptible to skin infections and can actually disguise an actual skin infection and or you may have or may develop an allergy to the steroid cream.
New formulations have recently been developed which have added the advantage of a once a day application, but it remains to be seen if these are any less likely to cause many of the side effects of the older steroids, or what new effects may be coming.
Here is to the day that every home is a Toxin Free Home!
Thanks for reading,