More Negative Effects of Steroids

One of the major problems with steroids is called tachyphylaxis, the decreasing effect of the treatment with continual use, requiring ever stronger doses. High dosage can lead to a serious rebound flare if the treatment is stopped abruptly, perhaps when changing treatments. The rebound effect is not just a return of the symptoms, but often a body wide reaction, sometimes much worse than the previous condition. All dermatologists are well aware of these problems, which are even more acute in children. They will generally recommend a pulse therapy, which includes resting periods or rotating between other nonsteroidal treatments. This can help prevent some of the other side effects of steroids, such as thinning of the skin, causing striae or stretch marks, a tendency to bruise easily, and if absorbed systemically, possibly hormonal disruption, osteoporosis, and even psychosis. If they get into the eyes in even small quantities, they can lead to cataracts and glaucoma. Do not depend on a doctor to alert you to these problems. For whatever reasons, they may not think it is necessary. It is best to get informed about any medication you take, but be sure to ask your doctor about any side effects. Over The Counter (OTC) cortisones are mild compared to prescription products, but they still need to be used with caution.

A disturbing trend in the last few years is for unscrupulous marketeers to include potent steroids in their otherwise nondescript skin products, without any indication or warning on the label. People try the product and are amazed by the sudden remission. They may not realize that they can become dependent on it, and that it can be dangerous to suddenly stop. The euphoria of having clear skin can override any rational decisions about benefit vs risk. Word can spread rapidly from personal testimonials over the net. In many cases, even these turn out to be a fraud.

The most notorious product example is Skin-Cap. Psorigon followed shortly after. A product called Psorial supposedly containing Dead Sea extracts was banned in Sweden in 1998, and a UK analysis of Chinese Herbal creams found that more than half of the various samples contained potent steroids. Miralex (with offices and marketing in the USA) has also been tested in Canada and found to contain clobetasol propionate. (Note that in any of these cases, the FDA has only conducted tests after hearing of reports from other countries.)

Even after these fraudulent products have been identified and banned in many countries, copycat “clone” makers try to pick up the market share of people desperately seeking a substitute. There are several competing Skin-Cap clones which compound an ineffective zinc pyrithione solution with a prescription strength steroid. Most of the dealers provide their own “click and print” prescription forms, and attempt to identify themselves as the equivalent of the “miracle” or “magical” banned product. They claim the impressive benefits of superpotent steroids, with little or no warning of the side effects. Even worse are the marketers who claim all the benefits without any steroids or side effects.

(Article is taken from : http://www.pinch.com/skin/pshame.html)