Skin damage due to ‘corticoid addiction’

Doctor II Dam Thi Thuy Hong, Head of the Department of Aesthetics, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, said that Ms. Ninh’s condition is called “corticoid-addicted” skin. Prolonged application of the medicine made her skin dependent on the medicine, her cheeks were alternately depigmented, and her capillaries were dilated in the form of dark red spider webs. Facial skin is thin, easily reddened, often rashes and itchy, accompanied by dense, soft and dark hair growth, persistent dermatitis, and even severe outbreaks when the drug is suddenly stopped.

Dr. Hong assessed that Ms. Ninh’s skin has the ability to recover, but needs proper treatment and compliance with the treatment regimen and indications. The regimen includes using high-tech laser systems such as Fotona 6D and StarWalker, combined with long-pulse Nd:YAG 1064 laser to treat skin redness, telangiectasia and uneven pigmentation. Ms. Ninh was injected with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate skin regeneration, increase collagen production, helping the skin become thicker and stronger over time. After 4 months, skin damage improved, skin tone was even and less sensitive.

Dr. Hong said that the skin is “addicted to corticosteroids” due to the use of many medications containing corticosteroids – these drugs are often sold without a prescription. Topical corticosteroids are commonly used in the treatment of dermatological diseases thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and itching quickly, but improper use can cause many dangerous complications. Choosing strong or mild corticosteroids, dosage and application time… requires careful consideration by the doctor based on the disease condition, skin location and treatment response.

“Patients should not arbitrarily use topical medications, especially corticosteroid-containing products, without a doctor’s prescription,” Dr. Hong recommended. When the skin shows unusual signs such as prolonged redness, itching, peeling, darkening or unusual sensitivity, you need to go to a reputable hospital or specialized medical facility for proper diagnosis and treatment.