A 33-year-old member asked:
Do topical steroid creams have any internal effects?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. John Goldmananswered
Rheumatology 57 years experience
They can: A little of the cortisone can be absorbed into the body. Part of this depends on how muchis placed on your body. You can discuss this with your physician
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 30-year-old member asked:
Side effects for topical steroid creams?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joseph Easternanswered
Dermatology 46 years experience
Atrophy, striae: Applying a strong steroid cream for too long on thin skin (face, groin, underarms, etc.) will eventually cause thinning of the skin (atrophy) and eventually stretch marks (striae). That's why dermatologists cringe when they see strong steroids prescribed for areas that are too sensitive to handle them properly. Strong creams should be used only on thick skin for a couple of weeks at most.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
What are the side effects to topical steroids?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Depends: If topical steroids are used for short periods then they should be tolerated fine. Some steroids are more potent then others. They can lighthen or discolor the skin if used too long. They can cause atophy or loss of skin and sometimes tissue just below the skin.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Hi docs, would topical steroid creams have any internal affects?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
Rheumatology 54 years experience
Sometimes: There is minor absorption of topical steroid through the skin. This is usually in very small amounts and is not enough to cause any real issues. However, if one uses cream over large areas of the body there could be enough absorption to cause issues.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated May 25, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
