Resources for Those Suffering with TSW Syndrome

Medical and Scientific Research

There are hundreds of studies and articles documenting Topical Steroid Addiction and Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome. Below are a selection of some of the most salient articles that provide a good introduction to the scientific literature.

“Topical Steroid Addiction in Atopic Dermatitis”

Mototsugu Fukaya MD, et al.  Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety, 2014;6: pp.131–138.

Full text: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4207549/

Response to questions posed by the National Eczema Association (NEA): “Here, we describe the clinical features of topical steroid addiction or red burning skin syndrome, based on the treatment of many cases of the illness. Because there have been few articles in the medical literature regarding this illness, the description in this article will be of some benefit to better understand the illness and to spur discussion regarding topical steroid addiction or red burning skin syndrome.”

Key points:

“As the NEA expressed the end points of its research as some interrogative sentences on its website, the authors also will try to describe the illness by answering those questions.”

  • How do you define steroid addiction?
  • What are the clinical findings of steroid addiction?
  • What do the skin lesions look like, and how are they different from eczema?
  • Where on the body does it usually occur?
  • What strength of steroid and usage pattern leads to steroid addiction?
  • How is steroid addiction treated?
  • How common is steroid addiction syndrome?

Other resources from Dr. Fukaya:

RSS risk factors underestimated: “Topical corticosteroids are a useful form of treatment for atopic dermatitis. However, patients are likely to be addicted after long-term treatment.  This paradoxical phenomenon has so far been underestimated, and improvement following the temporary rebound flare after discontinuation of corticosteroid therapy has been entirely ignored.”

“Prevalence of atopic diseases and the use of topical corticosteroids. Is there any connection?”

AN Pampura, MD, Medical Hypotheses, 2005;64(3):575-8.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15617870Atopic diseases on the rise in developed countries: “The prevalence of atopic diseases (atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis) has considerably increased for the last 40 years. This tendency has coincided with the beginning of the epoch of the use of the topical corticosteroids, which have a potent immunomodulation action.”

Key points:

  • Use of topical corticosteroids in children of early age contributes to the increase of prevalence of atopic diseases in developed countries.
  • Lower prevalence of atopic diseases in rural areas and in children from families with the anthroposophic lifestyle.
  • Increased level of atopic diseases among people with higher socioeconomic level and in children from 1 child families.
  • Corticosteroid use in developing countries is limited due to economic reasons and active use of complementary medicine.
  • If the proposed hypothesis is correct, a revision of the therapeutic approach is necessary concerning the attitude toward application of topical corticosteroids in children suffering from various forms of eczema.

“A systematic review of topical corticosteroid withdrawal (“steroid addiction”) in patients with atopic dermatitis and other dermatoses”

The National Eczema Association Task Force: Tamar Hajar MD, Yael A. Leshem MD, Jon Hanifin MD, Susan T. Nedorost MD, Peter Lio MD, Amy S. Paller MD, Julie Block BA, Eric L. Simpson MD, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2015 March, 72(3), pp. 541-549.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25592622

When to consider RSS rather than a typical “flare-up”: “Burning and stinging are the most frequently reported symptoms with erythema [redness] being the most common sign. Signs and symptoms occur days to weeks after topical corticosteroid (TCS) discontinuation. More data are needed regarding the frequency and duration of use that predisposes to this condition. Further, there are no data regarding the prevalence of this condition. It is also unclear whether children are actually less likely to develop this disorder or that cases of TCS withdrawal in the pediatric population are underreported.  . . .  Extrapolating from our review, a clinician should favor TCS withdrawal over a flareup of the underlying atopic dermatitis if the following features are present: (1) burning is the prominent symptom, (2) confluent erythema occurs within days to weeks of TCS discontinuation, and (3) a history of frequent, prolonged TCS use on the face or genital region.”

Key points:

  • Although many of the side effects of TCS are addressed in guidelines, TCS addiction is not.
  • Burning and stinging were the most frequently reported symptoms with erythema [redness of the skin] being the most common sign.
  • TCS withdrawal syndrome can be divided into papulopustular and erythematoedematous subtypes, with the latter presenting with more burning and edema.
  • TCS withdrawal is likely a distinct clinical adverse effect of TCS. Patients and providers should be aware of its clinical presentation and risk factors.

“Steroid Addiction.”

Albert  M. Kligman, M.D., Ph.D. and Peter J. Frosch, M.D. International Journal of Dermatology. Vol 18, Jan-Feb 1979, pp 23-31.

Abstract: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-4362.1979.tb01905.x/abstract

Typical presentation of RSS: ” [Topical steroid] Treatment continues optimistically for some weeks or months. Then, deliberately or accidentally (went on vacation without drug, forgot to refill) the skin receives no drug. Promptly, within a day or two, the treated areas become reddened, tender, itchy, cracked, scaling, and erupting into pustules, especially on the face. The original disease may exacerbate, but the key event is the rebound dermatitis which is exceedingly uncomfortable and distressing. The patient rushes to reapply the steroid and secures immediate relief. The itching, dryness, and scaling quickly abate. All is well until the next lapse when rebound dermatitis returns with greater intensity than before. The patient becomes “hooked” in order to prevent the misery producing rebound flare. But, after many months, other atrocious things are happening.  . . .  At this stage, stopping the steroids leads to a ferocious rebound within one or two days with fissuring, exudation, pustulation (of the face) and always with intolerable discomfort. The patient is now solidly addicted and cannot escape unless fortune furnishes a physician who recognizes the situation and specifies the one treatment the patient fears — withdrawal from the steroid (or starts the weaning process by substituting a weaker steroid).”

Key points:

  • Etiology and presentation of topical steroid addiction
  • Proper diagnosis is imperative to receiving proper treatment
  • Prevalence is underreported so steroid addiction is not well characterized

“Topical corticosteroid addiction may be to blame when ‘rash’ defies treatment”

Paula Moyer, Dermatology Times, 1 October 2012.

Full text: http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com

RSS is different from eczema: “When examining the patient, look at the erythematous lesions. They will have a different appearance from classic eczema. Atopic dermatitis typically has excoriated, lichenified lesions in the antecubital and popliteal areas. In contrast, patients with steroid-induced dermatitis have distant pruritic papules, nummular wet lesions and general skin vasodilation.”

Key points:

  • Rather than an elusive allergen that defies treatment, the problem may be the treatment itself
  • Pain medication, sleep aids, anti-anxiety medication and antihistamines can temporarily ameliorate the itch until the withdrawal reaction subsides
  • Several months may pass before the flares subside

“Topical Corticosteroid-induced Rosacea-like Dermatitis: a clinical study of 110 cases”

Sanjay K Rathi MD and Leishiwon Kumrah MD, Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, 2011,Volume 77, Issue 1, pp 42-46.

Full Text: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21220878

Use of topical steroids can cause dermatitis with no previous underlying skin disease: “A total of 110 patients were enrolled for the study over a period of 2 years, excluding all those with the known disease entity in which topical steroids were commonly used. . . . The duration of topical steroid use ranged from 4 months to 20 years. The most common clinical presentation was diffuse erythema (redness) of the face. Most of the patients had rebound phenomenon on discontinuation of the steroid.”

  • Varied clinical presentations are seen with prolonged and continuous use of topical steroids.
  • The most common topical steroid used was Betamethasone valerate, which could be due to its easy availability and low cost.
  • The treatment of this dermatitis is difficult, requiring complete cessation of the offending steroid, usually done in a tapering fashion.

Additional articles

ITSAN Brochure

Download this ITSAN brochure to learn more about TSWS.

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Member Recommended TSWS Supportive Doctor List

IMPORTANT: Please note that ITSAN has not vetted these healthcare providers independently. These practitioners have been suggested as “supportive” by members of the ITSAN community. This usually means supporting your wishes to use a ‘no steroid’ approach; they are not necessarily likely to be familiar with TSWS (Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome). Please consider confirming their perspective on TSWS before booking an appointment.

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Important Tips for TSW Friends and Family

Have you ever searched for an easy way to explain TSW to your friends and family members? 

Here is an easy print-out that can help.

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