What is the best way to care for corticoid-damaged skin?

Corticoids are commonly used to reduce inflammation and treat skin conditions. However, due to their rapid and noticeable effects, many people misuse them with high doses or prolonged use, leading to unwanted side effects such as thinning skin and chronic inflammation. If you experience this condition, proper skin care is crucial to help your skin recover quickly and minimize negative effects. This article will guide you on how to identify corticoid-damaged skin and provide ways to care for corticoid-damaged skin effectively.

1. What does corticoid-damaged skin look like? What are its characteristics?

Using strong corticosteroids for prolonged periods can lead to unwanted side effects such as folliculitis, thinning skin, stretch marks, acne, and contact dermatitis. Here are the signs of corticoid-damaged skin categorized by severity:

• Level 1: Dry, flaky skin: When first using corticosteroid-containing products, the skin may feel burning or itching, and the surface can become mildly rough.
• Level 2: Acute dermatitis: The skin becomes red and blisters appear. When the blisters burst, they cause pain and are prone to infection. Without prompt treatment, the skin can become rough and darkened as the blisters dry.
• Level 3: Vascular dilation: Blood vessels become visible on the skin, which becomes dry, hot, and itchy. Deep damage to capillaries causes persistent redness and increased sensitivity.
• Level 4: Increased sebum production and breakout of acne: The skin becomes oily due to excessive sebum production, leading to large, spreading acne lesions, accompanied by pain, swelling, and tingling.
• Level 5: Irritant dermatitis: This is the most severe level, with the skin experiencing severe infection, persistent redness, yellowish discharge, burning sensation, itching, and pain even without contact.

2. How to care for corticoid-damaged skin effectively?

To avoid serious consequences from corticoids and help your skin recover quickly, early detection and timely treatment are crucial. Here are some ways to care for corticoid-damaged skin:

• Specialized Treatment: Therapies such as microneedling, chemical peels, and laser treatments may be applied depending on the skin condition. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatory drugs, or treatments for issues caused by fungi or parasites.
• Topical Medications: Includes antibiotics, antihistamines, antifungals, antiparasitics, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Corticoid Use: Whether to stop corticoids immediately or gradually depends on the usage level. Long-term use may cause withdrawal syndrome, so consult a doctor before discontinuing or tapering off the medication.
• Cleansing the Skin: When caring for corticoid-damaged skin, keep it clean. Gently wash your face, avoid scrubbing, and use a mild cleanser suitable for sensitive skin.
• Sun Protection: How to care for your skin when it is affected by corticoids involves avoiding direct sunlight. Use sunscreen recommended by your doctor and protect your skin thoroughly when going outside.
• Moisturizing: Ways to care for corticoid-damaged skin include using moisturizing products designed for sensitive skin. Avoid cosmetics with strong fragrances and excessive makeup to prevent clogged pores.
• Aesthetic Clinic Treatments: When caring for skin damaged by corticoids, you may use spot injection therapies, stem cell preparations, or platelet-rich plasma to provide antioxidants and nutrients that help regenerate the skin.
• Diet: A balanced diet with adequate water intake, vegetables, and fruits supports skin recovery. Avoid oily and spicy foods.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Getting enough sleep and reducing stress helps your skin recover quickly and is an effective way to care for corticoid-damaged skin.

3. Precautions When Applying Treatment

During the process of caring for corticoid-damaged skin, be sure to pay attention to the following:

• During treatment, avoid using any cosmetics or medications that have not been prescribed.
• Ensure that the environment and any objects that come into contact with the skin are clean.
• Consult a doctor before using any skincare products.
• Do not stop using prescribed medications abruptly, and do not exceed the prescribed dosage or duration.
• If you experience any itching, burning, or discomfort after using a product, discontinue use immediately and inform your doctor.
• The higher the severity of corticoid damage, the more challenging the treatment. Early detection and timely care are essential for quicker recovery.

    Treating and caring for skin damaged by corticoids often takes a long time, especially in severe cases where the treatment and recovery process can be prolonged. Therefore, it is important to be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Combined with proper skincare, a balanced diet, and a suitable lifestyle, these measures will help your skin recover more quickly.

References: Nhs.uk