Topical Steroid Withdrawal — What Your Patients Are Watching Online
Topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) is an increasingly visible — and misunderstood — drug‑related dermatosis that can follow abrupt discontinuation of medium‑to‑high potency topical corticosteroids after prolonged, often unsupervised use. Clinically it can be dramatic, but what counts as “prolonged” varies with potency, anatomic site, age, and underlying disease. Sensitive areas and children are at higher risk, and inappropriate long‑term use for conditions like atopic dermatitis or misdiagnosed tinea sets the stage.
The noisy social media spotlight has amplified fear: TikTok and similar platforms have spread a lot of emotion and little nuance, fueling corticophobia and treatment nonadherence. Meanwhile, the clinical community still lacks standardized diagnostic criteria and high‑quality, evidence‑based treatments — a gap that complicates counseling and management. That said, recognizing risk factors, documenting steroid exposure, and a compassionate, evidence‑based conversation remain your best tools right now.
For busy dermatologists, the practical takeaway is simple: anticipate questions, screen for risky topical steroid use, and proactively educate patients to prevent misuse. Want concrete diagnostic clues, practical management options, and suggested wording for patient conversations to counter online misinformation? Read the article to find out more.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(10). doi:10.36849/JDD.1025
Blog write-up assisted by AI
