Guide To The Side Effects Of Steroids

Skin Discoloration

Steroids may cause several types of skin discoloration. Patients who use topical steroids might notice the formation of red skin lesions or rashes, and these could be itchy. After an injection of corticosteroids, some individuals may have facial flushing and a loss of color in the skin; these symptoms are part of what is known as a post-injection flare. Topical, oral, and injected corticosteroids may cause thinning of the skin, and the risk of this side effect increases if the drugs are used over a long period. Thinner skin could make any existing skin issue more noticeable, and veins might appear more prominent. To reduce the risk of skin discoloration and thinning skin, doctors limit the use of steroid injections to three to four injections per year for each patient. Topical steroids are used whenever possible since these are less likely to cause side effects, and doctors use the lowest potency of steroid that is appropriate for the patient's needs. Patients should monitor their skin closely while taking steroids, and any skin changes such as discoloration or rashes should be reported to the prescribing physician.

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