“Think Twice Before Using Steroids on Your Skin: What are steroids, what they do to your skin & the Risks You Need to Know.”

Steroids are a type of organic molecule that has a characteristic ring-shaped structure. They are produced naturally in the body and have various functions, such as regulating metabolism, controlling inflammation, and helping the body respond to stress.

Synthetic steroids, made in a lab, are often used in conventional systems to treat various medical conditions. They work by mimicking the effects of natural hormones, such as cortisol, which can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and control allergic reactions.

Steroids can come in different forms, such as creams, ointments, pills, or injections, and can be used to treat various health problems, from asthma and arthritis to skin conditions and cancer. 

However, the use of steroids can also have potential side effects, primarily if used for a long time or in high doses, including weight gain, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and increased risk of infections. 

Get ready to learn about steroids – the powerful but sometimes controversial medication that’s commonly used to treat a variety of skin issues. We’ll explore their benefits, potential drawbacks, and what you can do to minimize and maximize the risks. So, let’s dive into the world of steroids!

Let’s learn about the Steroids for skin issues.

Steroids are commonly used in conventional medicine to treat various skin issues, such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. These medications reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response, which can help mask the symptoms such as redness, itching, and swelling.

Different types of steroids can be used for skin issues, including:

1. Topical corticosteroids: These are the most common type of steroids used for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. They work by reducing inflammation and itching and can be applied directly to the affected area in the form of creams, ointments, lotions, or gels.
2. Intralesional steroids: These are injected directly into skin lesions such as keloids or hypertrophic scars to reduce inflammation and improve their appearance.
3. Oral corticosteroids: These are usually prescribed for more severe cases of skin conditions such as severe eczema or psoriasis. They work by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation throughout the body.

Conventional medicine doctors can prescribe steroids for skin issues like Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne, such as seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, Vitiligo, rosacea, and skin cancer.

While steroids can be effective in managing these skin conditions, they can also have potential side effects, especially if used for long periods of time or on large areas of the skin. 

Common side effects of topical steroids include thinning of the skin, stretch marks, and increased susceptibility to infections. In rare cases, long-term use of topical steroids can also lead to systemic side effects, such as high blood sugar, cataracts, and adrenal suppression.

Therefore, it’s crucial to use steroids only as directed by a healthcare provider and to follow up with regular check-ins to monitor for any adverse effects.

How do Steroids work?

Steroids work by reducing inflammation in the body, including inflammation in the skin. Inflammation is a normal immune response that occurs in response to injury or infection. 

However, sometimes conventional medicine practitioners use steroids for chronic or excessive inflammation.

Corticosteroids, which are the type of steroids used to manage skin conditions, are similar to hormones that are naturally produced by the body’s adrenal glands. These hormones, such as cortisol, are involved in the body’s stress response and play a role in regulating inflammation.

When corticosteroids are applied topically to the skin, they penetrate the skin and enter the cells in the affected area. Once inside the cell, they bind to specific receptors and activate a complex cascade of events that ultimately reduce inflammation.

Specifically, corticosteroids inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which contribute to inflammation in the skin. They also inhibit the migration of immune cells, such as neutrophils and lymphocytes, to the site of inflammation.

In addition to their anti-inflammatory effects, corticosteroids also have other effects on the skin. For example, they can reduce the proliferation of skin cells, which can help improve the appearance of skin rashes associated with conditions such as psoriasis.

It’s important to note that while corticosteroids can be effective in managing skin conditions, they can also have side effects, especially if used for long periods of time or on large areas of the skin. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for individual needs and to monitor for side effects.

Do Steroids heal the skin or just hide the symptoms?

Steroids used to manage skin conditions can help to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. However, they do not cure the underlying disease that is causing the inflammation. Instead, they help to control the symptoms while the underlying condition is being treated or managed.

While steroids can effectively manage symptoms in the short term, it’s essential to use them as directed and monitor for potential side effects.

It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for individual needs, which may include a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and other therapies to promote skin healing and prevent symptom recurrence.

What are the side effects of Steroids?

While steroids used to manage skin conditions can be effective in reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms, they can also have potential side effects, especially if used for long periods of time or on large areas of the skin. 

‘Here are some of the most common side effects of topical and systemic steroids:

1. Skin thinning: Prolonged use of steroids can cause the skin to become thin, fragile, and easily bruised. This effect is more likely to occur with higher-potency steroids or when steroids are used on large areas of the skin.
2. Striae (stretch marks): Prolonged use of steroids can also cause stretch marks to develop on the skin, especially in areas where the skin is thin, such as the armpits or groin.
3. Hypopigmentation: Long-term use of steroids can cause a loss of pigmentation in the skin, resulting in areas of lighter skin color.
4. Acne: Steroids can cause acne to develop or worsen, especially when used on the face or other areas with oil glands.
5. Increased risk of infection: Steroids can suppress the immune system, making it easier for infections to develop and harder for the body to fight them off.
6. Glaucoma and cataracts: Long-term use of topical steroids near the eyes can increase the risk of developing glaucoma or cataracts.
7. Adrenal suppression: Prolonged use of systemic steroids can suppress the body’s production of natural cortisol, leading to a range of symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and weight loss.
8. Growth suppression: Long-term use of systemic steroids in children can lead to growth suppression and delayed development.

It’s vital to use steroids as directed by a healthcare provider and to monitor for potential side effects. If side effects occur, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. In some cases, it may be necessary to adjust the dosage or frequency of steroid use, switch to a different medication, or add other treatments to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of side effects.

While other conventional treatments are available for managing skin conditions without using steroids, unfortunately, many of them can also have potential side effects. For example:

1. Topical calcineurin inhibitors: These medications can cause burning, itching, or redness at the site of application. In rare cases, they can also cause more serious side effects such as skin infections or lymphoma (a type of cancer).
2. Phototherapy: Exposure to ultraviolet light can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging, especially if used for prolonged periods of time. Phototherapy can also cause temporary redness, itching, or burning of the skin.
3. Biologic drugs: Biologic drugs can have a range of potential side effects, depending on the specific medication and individual factors. Common side effects can include injection site reactions, headache, nausea, or infections. More serious side effects can consist of an increased risk of certain infections, such as tuberculosis or hepatitis, or an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of any treatment option with a healthcare provider and to monitor for any signs of side effects while using these medications. In some cases, adjusting the dosage or frequency of treatment may be necessary, switching to a different medication or adding other treatments to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of side effects. Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding triggers or eating a healthy diet, can also help to manage some skin conditions.

Achieving Holistic Skin Healing without the Risk of Side Effects.

If steroids & other conventional meds have side effects, what holistic options do you have to heal your skin issue from the root cause holistically?

Moisturizers: Using a natural, chemical-free moisturizer can help to soothe dry, itchy skin and prevent flare-ups of some skin conditions, such as eczema.

Lifestyle modifications: Making changes to one’s lifestyle can also help to manage some skin conditions, such as avoiding triggers like certain foods or environmental factors that can worsen symptoms. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can also help to support overall skin health.

Certain lifestyle factors may help to reduce the risk of developing eczema or manage the symptoms of the condition. These include:

• Maintaining good skin hygiene: Keeping the skin clean and moisturized can help to reduce the risk of developing eczema or prevent flare-ups.
• Eating a healthy diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats may help to reduce inflammation and support overall skin health.
• Managing stress: Stress can exacerbate eczema symptoms, so finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or counseling, may help to reduce the impact of this trigger.
• Avoiding allergens: If an individual knows they have a specific allergen that triggers eczema, such as pollen, animal dander, or certain foods, avoiding exposure to these allergens may help to prevent or reduce symptoms.

Herbs

Using herbs for skin issues can be a natural and effective way to soothe, heal, and improve the overall health of the skin. Many herbs have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that can help address a variety of skin issues, from acne and eczema to psoriasis and rosacea. Unlike conventional medications, herbs are generally free of harmful side effects and can be used in conjunction with other natural remedies, such as dietary changes and stress management techniques. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional or licensed herbalist before using herbs to treat skin issues to ensure their safety and effectiveness.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a type of alternative medicine that is based on the principle of “like cures like”. Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances that are believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. While some people with eczema may use homeopathic remedies to manage their symptoms, there is little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of this approach.

While it is not always possible to prevent eczema entirely, even in individuals with a genetic predisposition to the condition, taking steps to reduce exposure to environmental triggers and maintain good skin health can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Conventional medications used for skin issues can have negative side effects such as thinning of the skin, stretch marks, increased risk of infection, and adrenal suppression. Additionally, long-term use of steroids can lead to more serious complications, including osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and diabetes. On the other hand, holistic medicine takes a natural approach to skin health by addressing the root causes of skin issues and promoting overall wellness. 

By identifying and avoiding triggers, managing stress levels, and using natural remedies like herbs, holistic medicine can offer a safe and effective way to treat a variety of skin issues without the risk of harmful side effects.

I hope you found this blog helpful;

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“Chronic skin diseases are complex to understand as these can result from a variety of contributing factors. To achieve a successful and holistic treatment outcome, I offer my support to help you identify the root cause and design a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan may encompass lifestyle modifications, topical treatments, and other natural and safe remedies with the goal of improving your skin health without any adverse side effects.” – email me at contact@holisticskinwellness.com for further enquiry.

Using natural, non-chemical skin products is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Many conventional skincare products contain harsh chemicals that can damage the skin and disrupt its natural balance, leading to dryness, irritation, and other issues.

Naturo Essentials Body & Hair Wash is a great option for people who are dealing with skin issues. It is Made with all-natural ingredients, it can be a good choice for people with psoriasis who are looking for a gentle, non-irritating cleanser for their skin and scalp.