If you suffer from eczema and have used topical steroids to treat it, TSW (also referred to as TSA or Red Skin Syndrome) could be something that you have encountered after discontinuing these medications. TSW can have serious repercussions after users stop taking these medicines.
TSW can be painful and lead to life-threatening health risks; therefore it must be dealt with immediately as a matter of urgency.
Symptoms
TSW (Topical Steroid Withdrawal) symptoms differ for everyone. Some may only experience them for weeks while others could suffer for years after discontinuing using topical steroids, while painful skin reactions could arise as soon as you stop taking this type of medication. It’s essential that any changes occuring on your skin are reported immediately to a healthcare provider to avoid future issues with TSW symptoms.
Symptoms may range from redness and swelling, peeling skin, enlarged lymph nodes that store fluid and cells that help the body fight infections, or an infection itself.
TSW is most often experienced by adults who regularly utilize mid- to high-potency topical steroids on their face or genital region for at least a year or more, though anyone can develop this condition if using topicals on either.
TSW usually manifests itself with redness and swelling around where topical steroids were applied; most commonly this affects either the face or genital area, though other parts of the body may also be affected.
Other symptoms may include itching, stinging and open sores that ooze fluids. Furthermore, your skin could also become very dry.
Communicate your symptoms to your physician so they can provide the care needed for TSW treatment. They may suggest steroid cream or medication that will alleviate your symptoms and provide advice as necessary.
TSW patients can benefit from eating healthily and engaging in physical activity to combat their symptoms, while seeking support from local therapy or counseling groups.
Some individuals find journaling about their TSW experience to be therapeutic and can help track progress while noting improvement.
Sleep can be especially beneficial to TSW patients. Sleep can help the body manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare itself for normal functioning once more.
TSW symptoms can be aggravating and hard to focus upon, disrupting work, school and other activities. Therefore, it’s wise to plan ahead so you have enough time to recover from and manage them effectively.
Keep in mind that TSW is an uncommon condition, and no clear cause has yet been identified for why some individuals develop it.
Causes
Researchers do not fully comprehend what causes TSW; researchers do not know why or how many people become infected, though prolonged topical steroid usage with increasing potency over time is one risk factor.
Topical steroids are highly effective at treating skin conditions like eczema. But too much topical steroid usage may build up in your system and cause Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome, also known as TSW.
As soon as you discontinue topical steroids, your skin can react by producing redness, itching and peeling that lasts days to weeks or even months; this is a common side effect when discontinuing using steroid medication.
Symptoms may appear days or weeks after discontinuing topical steroids use; they could even show up within hours or days. Your physician may suggest oral corticosteroids, cold compresses or antibiotics to alleviate symptoms.
Some cases of TSW will go away on their own without needing medical intervention, while others may need to see a dermatologist for treatment.
TSW remains poorly understood; however, its cause has been linked to misuse of topical steroid medications. Dermatologists are currently working towards better understanding this condition and devising treatment solutions.
TSW can affect anyone who regularly uses topical steroids, with adults who have used these medicines for at least a year being particularly at risk. TSW is especially prevalent among female users who use topicals on the face or genital area.
People who develop TSW typically begin taking topical steroids to treat eczema or another skin issue, often after traditional medicines had no effect. When traditional treatments weren’t working effectively enough for their condition, people turned to topical steroid medication instead as an effective solution.
Once you stop using topical steroids (TSW), your body needs time to adapt. TSW withdrawal symptoms may cause nausea, difficulty sleeping or concentrating and fevers; although these are typically temporary reactions; it’s important to notify your physician if symptoms worsen over time or you find that sleeping less.
Treatment
Topical steroids are an integral component of treatment plans for most patients with eczema, providing relief from itching or skin redness as well as helping ease itching and irritation. There are various forms available and they may even help relieve anxiety about treatments like topical cortisone injections.
When discontinuing or decreasing topical steroids, some individuals can develop TSW (red skin syndrome or steroid withdrawal). Its symptoms may appear immediately or over a period of time and in extreme cases may even become permanent.
TSW can be an exasperating experience. It can adversely impact a person’s mood and lead to depression, according to Kathy Tullos, RN, president of ITSAN (International Topical Steroid Awareness Network). Furthermore, TSW may result in emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion for all involved parties involved.
TSW may be serious, but it’s possible to overcome. There are various strategies you can try such as visiting a doctor, taking time off work and finding support as well as developing healthy coping mechanisms.
People living with TSW should seek help by speaking to their doctor about their symptoms. Your physician can then find an appropriate solution.
One option would be to join a support group made up of individuals experiencing similar symptoms and share your stories and experiences, this way providing both support and motivation.
TSW support groups are also an invaluable way to gain more information about your condition, how to prevent and manage its symptoms, as well as finding local groups in your area. Visit National Eczema Association and Health Union or ITSAN for help finding a group in your locality.
Though TSW is increasingly recognized, physicians still find it challenging to diagnose this condition. Tullos, who serves as president of ITSAN, believes more medical professionals must recognize TSW as a genuine diagnosis and treat accordingly.
At present, there is no cure for TSW; however, people can manage it by decreasing their use of topical steroids and looking for other ways to alleviate symptoms; using moisturizers instead of creams could also help alleviate some itching and inflammation associated with TSW.
Prevention
Topical steroids have long been an effective solution to skin conditions; however, they can sometimes cause Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). TSW may prove difficult to manage and require special care during its treatment.
TSW may develop in people who are regularly using topical steroid medications over extended periods, and who are unable to follow the recommendations of their physician regarding how much to use and for how long. TSW can also occur among children who use mid- or high-potency topical steroids.
TSW isn’t fatal and it can be managed effectively with help from your physician. Your treatment plan might include decreasing topical steroid usage or switching up treatments such as moisturisers and anti-inflammatory creams for better results.
Your diet can also play an integral part in decreasing inflammation in your body and supporting its healing. By choosing healthier food choices rich in nutrient-dense proteins, fiber, and healthy fats you can reduce inflammation in your body while aiding healing. Be wary of foods containing salicylates, amines or preservatives which could exacerbate TSW symptoms.
If you suspect TSW, it is imperative to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Your physician may prescribe oral steroid medication in low doses to manage symptoms and halt further progression.
Understand that it may take up to one year before your TSW symptoms improve, so give yourself time for recovery. Also keep a close watch on them, as symptoms can worsen significantly if left unattended.
TSW can be an overwhelming experience, which is why it is vitally important that you find support and encouragement. Speak to your doctor or join ITSAN (International Topical Steroid Awareness Network), an online resource providing guidance and advice for TSW sufferers.
Your risk of TSW can also be decreased by keeping tabs on your steroid use and decreasing intake of foods high in salicylates and amines – for instance avoiding citrus fruit as well as vegetables with high acid levels.