I’d like to see a cite (or, preferably, several cites) to back that up, Broomstick.
Desmostylus wrote:
Here’s an online monograph for Ultravate, for just one example. HPA axis suppression, skin thinning, stretch marks, and even Cushings syndrome are all possible side effects of topical steroid use, made more likely with either higher doses or longer treatment.
And here are some warnings and precautions listed (including a section on pediatric use) for 1% hydrocortisone, which, I’d bet, is what Aceofspades’ kid got (or at least equivalent to it).
There are tons of possible citations for the side effects of topical steroids (and that the risk of side effects increases with length-of-use or dosage) to be found on the web, considering that they are used for all sorts of different inflammatory skin conditions.
Thanks, DaveW.
You’re quite welcome, Desmostylus.
Um, one thing I should have mentioned in my previous post, as I’ve been involved in quite a few “steroid debates” in my years on the Internet, is that I’m not particularly “anti-steroid” in any way. I didn’t point out the warnings pages because I thought that Aceofspades was “dooming” his kid by following the doctor’s recommendations, but only because the potential risks are well-known, and you asked Broomstick for a cite or three.
This isn’t to say that I thought you, Desmostylus, were at the other, “steroids never hurt nobody,” extreme, of course. I just wanted to let the three of you I’ve mentioned above know that I’m firmly in the “even when properly used, steroids have the potential to cause harm, just like any other drug” camp, since on a re-read, my post above sounds a little more alarmist than I would have liked. Here, for example, is something I wrote a couple of years ago.
Along those lines, I’d just like to add that while Aceofspades should be aware of the potential side effects, and what to look for in terms of symptoms of them, you shouldn’t automatically assume that they will occur at some point during treatment. However, if you do see anything out of the ordinary, you should immediately call the prescribing doctor and discuss it.
Unfortunately, despite the implications in Broomstick’s post, if the child reacts badly to the steroids, or needs so much that side effects occur, there may not be much else in the way of treatment which is known to be both safe and effective for nine-month-olds. The reality of the situation is that you may need to settle for a reduction of symptoms, rather than a complete remission of symptoms, until the child is old enough that more agressive therapies can be attempted. With any luck, you won’t, but I’m one of those “hope for the best, but prepare for the worst” kind of guys, I guess.
Oh, I should also note that I’m not a doctor, I’m no expert on eczema (I wouldn’t even call myself an expert on psoriasis, despite my web site), and that you should, of course, follow the recommendations of the doctor you’ve already seen, Aceofspades.
just checking in and WOW! the rash is GONE! i used the steriod creem maybe twice to treet the really bad areays and the over the counter cream everywhere else. i really used a lot of the otc creem every time i changed my daughters diper. everything worked and my daughters skin is now clear and smooth. i can’t remember the name of the otc creem (begins with a C), but the stuff works wonders! thanks to everyone here for the advice.
One more follow-up post -
There is a new, non-steroidal treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD and eczema are either the same thing or very closely overlapping conditions - “eczema” is often appended with another term to describe a particular kind of eczema. I may be getting bogged down in the terminology.). The brand name is Elidel, the actual thing itself is pimecrolimus. It is prescription only. It is approved for people age 2 and up - so, Aceofspades take note because your child may suffer outbreaks off and on through childhood and into adulthood. There are contraindications, so definitely consult a doctor.
As someone who recently had opportunity to use this stuff - yes, it works. Not quite as fast as a steroid, but it does work. The worst side effect I experienced was that the initial couple of applications burn/sting a little on the irritated skin but that soon goes away. The “burning” isn’t nearly as aggraviting as the itching that accompanies the rash requiring the medication, so it was a fair trade off.
It does, however, make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Since, during the winter, I’m mostly covered up this isn’t an issue. It might be in the summer time.
I’m nearly 40 and have had steroid treatments at various points in my life for skin and allergic conditions. All such treatments have been short term. So far, no lasting side effects. So, while side effects can happen they don’t always. Steroids are powerful drugs - used properly, even in very young children, they are wonderful tools but they are not to be trifled with. Which is why they require on-going medical supervision. Individual reactions also vary considerably. Don’t let anyone scare you away from them completely - as I said, used appropriately they can be a very good thing - but don’t be casual about them, either.