Ep. 106: The Risks and Realities of Oral Steroid Overuse for Eczema
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank Sanofi and Regeneron for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 106:
Have you ever wondered if steroids are the best choice for managing your eczema?
While both topical and oral steroids offer quick relief from severe eczema flares, understanding their long-term risks and safer alternatives can dramatically improve your quality of life.
In this episode, Dr. Mondana Ghias joins Kortney and Dr. Gupta to discuss the complex role of systemic corticosteroids in eczema management. They dive deep into the short-term relief that steroids provide for severe eczema symptoms and emphasize why steroids must be approached cautiously due to potential side effects and dependency risks.
Dr. Ghias also highlights the unique challenges of eczema care for individuals with skin of color, addressing differences in treatment response and the common issue of hypopigmentation caused by topical steroids.
What we cover in our episode about steroid use in eczema treatment:
Role of Systemic Steroids: When steroids are necessary and how they quickly manage severe eczema flares.
Risks and Side Effects: Understanding the serious long-term effects of systemic and topical steroids.
Steroid Withdrawal: Recognizing the signs of steroid withdrawal and strategies to manage rebound effects.
Challenges of Topical Steroids for Skin of Color: The unique risks of steroid use and managing hypopigmentation.
Alternatives to Steroids and Innovative Treatments: The rise of biologics and targeted therapies offering safer, long-term solutions.
The Importance of Specialist Care: Working with a dermatologist or allergist will help you find a sustainable long-term management plan.
About our OCS in eczema expert: Dr. Ghias
Mondana Ghias, M.D., is a dermatologist specializing in supportive oncodermatology, skin of color, and hidradenitis suppurativa. She is proficient in English and Persian and offers care across multiple states. Her clinical expertise encompasses general dermatology, complex medical dermatology, adolescent and pediatric dermatology, psoriasis, acne, vitiligo, eczema, and skin boils. Dr. Ghias is dedicated to providing comprehensive dermatological care with a focus on personalized treatment plans and patient education.
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Timestamps
Our episode explores the negative impact of steroid overuse in treating eczema
02:29 Understanding systemic corticosteroids
04:23 The role of systemic steroids in eczema treatment
06:02 Emergency care and short-term steroid solutions
07:40 Side effects of systemic steroid use
08:53 When is steroid use too much?
11:54 Understanding eczema in skin of color
13:17 When is it okay to use steroids for eczema treatment?
14:07 Topical steroid withdrawal and rebound effects
23:32 Navigating treatment options for eczema
27:43 When to seek specialist help
