Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome: Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment for TSW
Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is a syndrome associated with an adverse response to the discontinuation of topical steroid use. TSW is currently considered an emerging diagnosis as it is not yet officially classified as a separate disease in Western Medicine, however organizations like International Topical Steroid Awareness Network (ITSAN) are actively raising awareness about this debilitating condition.
What is TSW?
TSW syndrome produces a constellation of symptoms including burning pain of the skin, severe itch, increased or hypersensitivity, poor sleep, low mood, and intolerance to even benign topical emollients. TSW flares can become cyclical, similar to atopic eczema, where the skin goes through a cycle of redness and acute flaring of the skin, followed by intense itching and shedding of skin, and a slight recovery period before flaring continues again. These cycles of flares are often accompanied by increased allergic response overall and worsening of the condition. In severe cases, patients can experience swelling and the development of papular or pustular lesions as a symptom of TSW.
Who experiences TSW syndrome?
Not everyone who uses topical steroids will develop TSW, but there is a risk of TSW with any steroid use. Whether someone has used topical steroids once or repeatedly for months or years, they can experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the use of topical steroids, and symptoms can arise days or weeks after the last application of steroids. TSW is a severe and prolonged withdrawal experience also referred to as “Red Skin Syndrome” (RSS) because of the degree of redness and inflammation that it produces on the skin. TSW syndrome is more common when steroids have been applied to the face (roughly 97% of cases), though it can also be caused by the use of steroids anywhere on the body. TSW is most commonly seen in patients with Atopic Dermatitis due to the common treatment strategy of applying higher and higher potency steroids to control the disease. As the body becomes less responsive to the steroids patients often use increasing potencies of topical steroids at increased frequencies over time which can contribute to more severe TSW. Additional risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing TSW include a history of atopic eczema, concurrent use of oral steroids, being over the age of 18, being female, use of medium or high potency steroids, and prolonged use of any topical steroid beyond 6 months.
How to treat TSW with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM offers safe and effective treatment options for anyone suffering from TSW. TCM herbal treatment offers fully customized and holistic treatment for TSW because each case of TSW is unique. Treating TSW effectively requires that we look closely at the skin as well as every system of the body to determine how the TSW is impacting the whole system. TCM offers effective treatment options for all stages of TSW whether you’ve been suffering for 4 months or 4 years, all types of TSW whether you have whole sleeves of redness or isolated patches, and all ages of sufferers. The great benefit of TCM, and the key to its efficacy, is its ability to be adapted and tailored to the individual needs. TCM herbal solutions can offer both symptomatic relief in the acute phase of TSW as well as lasting healing for the skin long-term.
When should you seek treatment with TCM?
Whenever you’re ready to take the next step in your healing is the best time to start. Whether you’re in a flare or in a calm period with your skin, TCM herbal medicine can help get to the root cause of your skin condition and provide lasting relief chronic discomfort.
If you’re suffering from TSW and ready for some support, reach out! We will assess your condition and begin treatment immediately. If you are not local to our office appointments can be scheduled virtually and herbal prescriptions will be shipped directly from the pharmacy to your home. Dealing with TSW and need support? Schedule a free consultation today!