The Miracle Drug for Inflammation, Allergies, and Skin Issues—What You Need to Know About Corticosteroids!

Are you always struggling with inflammation, allergies, and skin issues? You are at the right place to find answers!

Medical science has solutions to most of your health issues. There is something called corticosteroid medication to eliminate your symptoms of inflammation, allergies, and skin issues. 

These corticosteroids ease inflammation and associated swelling. You might find them in your prescription for health conditions like lupus, hives, or asthma. The corticosteroid medication has side effects, and those are based on what type of corticosteroid you are put on!

A Brief Account on Corticosteroid Medication

Here's an interesting read for those who do not know what corticosteroids are. 

Corticosteroids are synthetic medicines widely used by almost all speciality doctors. They are best known as inflammation relievers. The drug relieves inflammations by releasing certain chemicals in your body. However, be cautious! Do not consume more than your recommended corticosteroid dose, as it may lower your immune activity. 

These corticosteroids resemble cortisol, which is a natural hormone in your body produced by adrenal glands. It contributes to many biological processes, such as metabolism, stress, and immune response. 

As they are best at relieving irritation and swelling, your doctor will prescribe them to treat conditions such as hives and asthma. 

What are the Types of Corticosteroid

Corticosteroids are of two types - localised or systemic. While systemic corticosteroids may impact any part of your body, localised ones are specific to certain areas. 

They are available in the form of - 

• creams and ointments for skin
• inhalers 
• eye and ear drops 

Some of the common corticosteroid types are as follows - 

• Prednisolone
• Hydrocortisone 
• Mometasone
• Prednisone
• Dexamethasone
• Cortisone 
• Triamcinolone 

These corticosteroid types are a versatile group of medications; hence, their dose varies. 

Watch Out for these Corticosteroid Side Effects

Certain corticosteroid side effects have been reported in different applications - topical, inhalation, and injection. However, the majority of them come from oral application. 

Side Effects of Oral Corticosteroids 

• High blood pressure
• Osteoporosis 
• Diabetes
• Changes in mood or behaviour 
• Increase in the risk of contracting infections

Side Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids 

• Oral thrush 
• Cough
• Difficulty to speak 

Side Effects of Topical Corticosteroids 

• Atrophy
• Perioral dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Acne
• Stretch marks 

Side Effects of Injected Corticosteroids 

• High blood sugar
• Infection
• Insomnia
• Loss of skin color 
• Facial flushing
• Temporary pain and soreness 

More About Corticosteroids

You should never consume corticosteroid medication without consulting your doctor. These are life-changing or lifesaving treatment medicines. However, prolonged use might trigger severe risks. 

Here are a few complications that you should keep in mind - 

Adults 

Increasing age makes you more susceptible to high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Women are likely more prone to developing bone diseases. 

Children

Your children may experience stunted growth. Corticosteroid medication suppresses the immune system to some extent. Hence, they might become more susceptible to chickenpox and measles. 

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, make sure you check with your doctor and gynecologist about corticosteroids before you consume them. Drugs can easily pass from parents to children either within the womb or while they are breastfeeding. 

Interactions with Other Health Issues 

Like any other medicine, corticosteroids can have implications if you have other health issues. Consult your doctor if you have either of the following health conditions before starting your corticosteroid medication - 

• AIDS or HIV
• Tuberculosis
• High Blood Pressure
• Herpes Simplex 
• Gastrointestinal Complications
• Heart, Liver, or Thyroid Disease
• Recently Underwent Surgical Correction
• Diabetes 
• Glaucoma

Handy Tips to Manage Your Corticosteroid Side Effects 

While the risks and complications are just too much, there are certain tips to ponder in effectively managing it. Here are some of the best ones - 

• Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
• Make checkups a routine part of your schedule
• Consult your doctor about low or intermittent corticosteroid dosing
• Always stick to your corticosteroid routine 
• Make exercise a strict part of your daily to-do's

Conclusion

Corticosteroid medications are powerful medications under the anti-inflammatory category. These are available in the form of topical, oral, and injectables. While they ease inflammation and swelling, they do come with a certain set of side effects. Hence, you should consult your doctor first to understand its pros and cons.