Q. What can happen with prolonged use of topical steroids?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Looking at the history and the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity) there seems to be a clear correlation.

• Betnovate-C (combination of Betamethasone valerate and Clioquinol) is a steroid cream and Quadriderm is a very nonspecific kind of cream.

• With prolonged use of a steroid cream is, you tend to have atrophy of the skin which means the upper layer of the skin becomes very thin and paper like. There is a loss of subcutaneous collagen leading to the appearance of marks which you described in your problem.

• All these are collective side effects of using a steroid for a long time. I am sorry to tell you that the side effects are having a very bad prognosis.

• However you can start using Silicone-based creams like Contractubex cream three or four times a day and massage properly in the area for the marks.

• You may find some relief after using it for a long time. But, the result will not be very satisfactory.

• Since you asked me, next time you have fungal infection, apply Candid cream (Clotrimazole) and go to a dermatologist immediately.

• Alternatively you can also go in for silicon based mesotherapy.

For further information consult a dermatologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/dermatologist

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

• The skin damage has assumed the appearance of stretch marks, same kind of damage in both cases except the superficial skin damage in terms of steroid cream.

• Mesotherapy should be followed by a CO2 laser (carbon dioxide laser) in the end to promote collagen.

• Do not worry; it will not spread. But, to reverse is a challenge, so be patient.

• Only precaution you need to take is not to ever apply a steroid cream without prescription. This is like a two edged sword, you can end up injuring yourself if you do not use it wisely.

For further information consult a dermatologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/dermatologist