I have blogged about how Steroids just makes eczema worse back in July 2012. But I guess I just need to say yet again why we say “no” to steroids because many people have been totally aghast that I would either :
- suffer through the itch and rashing or worse,
- allow my children to do so. What sort of a mother am I to not provide any relief for my child/ren???
Back when I didn’t know about steroid addiction (from oral ingestion and topical application), my strategy when attacking eczema was to hit it real hard with steroids (oral and/or topical) and then moisturise, moisturise, moisturise and moisturise some more. I may or may not also avoid the usual allergens to hasten the healing.
The steroids will always provide relief, sometimes instantaneous even. It is truly like magic. And so I was sold – like many other eczema sufferers. But the rash also almost always comes back and so I would learn to apply a “maintenance” amount the moment the rash threatens to return. One day, however, the magic would stop working. And I would have to make a trip down to a doctor or the National Skin Centre to get a more potent steroid. And again, one day the more potent cream just wouldn’t work anymore either and a course of oral steroids would be suggested.
Steroids always seem to work in the beginning and then you will need a stronger and stronger dose. Some people manage to avoid the whole addiction thing and never have to use steroids again. They also don’t have to watch their diet either. How come? I have no idea! In many ways it is like playing lottery. You tend to lose more than you win BUT there will be winners 😀
And that is why I say “no” to steroids. It doesn’t cure eczema or any other allergies. It works because it suppresses the immune system which is always a bad thing in the long run.
Will I never say “yes” to steroids? I would be naïve and proud to say so. But I will most certainly pray that I would not have to for myself and for my family. I have seen first hand what it can do and the suffering that comes with it when you try to get off it.
Steroids are not magic pills or creams. They are potent medication that should be dished out only in the most desperate of cases.
And if you are wondering if I or my children just suffer through the itching, the answer is no 🙂 I do take and give antihistamines. Yes, it is medication and yes, it is also bad for the liver in the long run but it is still a lesser evil than steroids.
I am sure this isn’t the last time you will hear from me about the evils of steroids. But I will stop for now. 😀