We ask the government to urgently review and implement stricter, safer, and more regulated prescribing protocols for topical corticosteroids - used for skin conditions such as eczema. We believe that topical corticosteroids have been over-prescribed for decades, leading to horrific side effects.
The overuse of topical corticosteroids can lead to the iatrogenic illness of 'Topical Steroid Addiction' - also known as 'Red Skin Syndrome.' This is often misdiagnosed as 'worsening eczema.' The recovery process is the total cessation of topical corticosteroids - known as 'Topical Steroid Withdrawal.' This can be a brutal, highly debilitating and painful process, which can last for months or years. We believe prescribing of these drugs needs to be highly regulated to prevent this totally unnecessary suffering.