Can steroid cream burn your face?

Yes, steroid creams can potentially cause burns on the face if overused or used incorrectly.

For more information, see below

Yes, steroid creams can potentially cause burns on the face if overused or used incorrectly. Steroid creams are often used to treat various skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, by reducing inflammation and itching. However, if too much cream is applied or if it is applied to the wrong areas, it can lead to skin thinning, discoloration, and even burns.

According to Dr. Roberta Del Campo, a board-certified dermatologist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology, “Applying too much steroid cream too frequently, particularly to thin skin such as the eyelids and lips, can eventually lead to thinning of the skin and sensitive areas of the face such as these are really vulnerable to get a burn from a steroid cream.”

Here are some interesting facts about steroid creams and their potential for causing burns on the face:

  • Steroid creams come in varying strengths, with stronger creams having a higher risk of causing burns.
  • The risk of burns increases when steroid creams are used in combination with other topical medications or cosmetics.
  • Burns from steroid creams can cause redness, blistering, and peeling of the skin, which can take weeks or even months to heal.
  • In severe cases, burns from steroid creams can lead to permanent scarring or pigmentation changes on the face.
  • It’s important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist when using steroid creams and to avoid using them for extended periods of time or on large areas of the face.
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Table: Examples of steroid creams and their strengths

Name of steroid cream Strength
Hydrocortisone Low
Betamethasone Medium
Clobetasol High

Some more answers to your question

The most common side effect of topical corticosteroids is a burning or stinging sensation when the medicine is applied. However, this usually improves as your skin gets used to the treatment.

Video answer to “Can steroid cream burn your face?”

The video recounts the struggles of Lucy, who was initially prescribed topical steroids by a doctor to treat her eczema. When she attempted to wean off them, her skin condition worsened, leading her to experience topical steroid withdrawal, causing severe dryness and leading her to undergo a no moisture treatment. Despite improving, she is concerned about her condition returning, and the toll on her mental health and pain was significant.

Surely you will be interested

What happens if you put too much steroid cream on your face?
The response is: The use of topical corticosteroids on the face can result in harmful skin effects such as atrophy, telangiectasia and periorificial dermatitis. These adverse reactions are greater with the more potent steroids but can be minimised by limiting use on the face.
What does steroid cream damage look like?
Topical corticosteroids can occasionally cause tiny pink bumps and acne, especially when used on the face and around the mouth. On the body, greasy corticosteroid ointments can rarely cause redness around hair follicles, sometimes with a pus bump centered in the follicle (folliculitis).
Can you get a chemical burn from steroid cream?
Answer: “The MHRA advisory states that side effects can include burning or stinging, intense itching, peeling of the skin, or oozing open sores that may occur days or weeks after stopping treatment and after as little as two months of continuous treatment in children.
Can too much steroid cream damage skin?
When used correctly, topical corticosteroids are a safe and effective treatment for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. However, a withdrawal reaction following long term use of these products can lead to skin redness and a burning sensation worse than the original skin condition.

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