Therapeutic Update on Topical Steroid Withdrawal

<u><b><i></i></b></u> Topical steroid withdrawal syndrome (TSW) is an emerging iatrogenic condition increasingly reported in patients following prolonged topical corticosteroid use, particularly among those with atopic dermatitis (AD). Despite rising awareness, TSW remains controversial and under-recognized due to its lack of formal diagnostic criteria and overlap with poorly controlled AD. In response to the growing demand for guidance, we review a wide range of treatments currently being used or studied for TSW, including pharmacologic therapies, natural products, lifestyle interventions, and alternative approaches such as acupuncture and dietary modifications. While many strategies show benefits, few are supported by rigorous clinical evidence. This article aims to provide clinicians and patients with a reference of existing treatment options, highlight areas of uncertainty, and call for further research into validated, evidence-based therapies for this condition.

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Publication Details

Journal
Dermatitis
Published
2026-01-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/17103568251413232
Primary Topic
Dermatology and Skin Diseases
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Therapeutic Update on Topical Steroid Withdrawal

Yeanna Moon, Peter Lio
Dermatitis
Dermatology and Skin Diseases
article

Therapeutic Update on Topical Steroid Withdrawal

Yeanna Moon, Peter Lio
article en

Abstract

<u><b><i></i></b></u> Topical steroid withdrawal syndrome (TSW) is an emerging iatrogenic condition increasingly reported in patients following prolonged topical corticosteroid use, particularly among those with atopic dermatitis (AD). Despite rising awareness, TSW remains controversial and under-recognized due to its lack of formal diagnostic criteria and overlap with poorly controlled AD. In response to the growing demand for guidance, we review a wide range of treatments currently being used or studied for TSW, including pharmacologic therapies, natural products, lifestyle interventions, and alternative approaches such as acupuncture and dietary modifications. While many strategies show benefits, few are supported by rigorous clinical evidence. This article aims to provide clinicians and patients with a reference of existing treatment options, highlight areas of uncertainty, and call for further research into validated, evidence-based therapies for this condition.

Dermatitis
University of Missouri–Kansas City (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 73%
Dermatology and Skin Diseases
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