Thinned Skin from Hydrocortisone Cream Use

I used over the counter hydrocortisone cream on my skin (I think it was 1%) every day for 7-8 months in an attempt to supplement my low cortisol levels. For close to 20 years, I was suffering debilitating fatigue from what I believe to be adrenal fatigue. I was desperate to treat this situation, so I resorted using hydrocortisone cream. I used a syringe to measure the cream. For the first month, I used about 40 mg per day, and for the next four months or so, I used 25 mg per day. After that I tapered down by about 2.5 mg per week, as I recall. I had many different zones (12 or more) on my body. I would use one each day to apply the cream. Each zone got a "rest" of many days between applications.

I'm no longer using hydrocortisone at all, but I now notice that the skin on my inner arms and upper abdomen seems to be excessively wrinkly in certain positions, like if I'm moving a certain way. I had very youthful looking skin prior to my use of hydrocortisone, and I'm quite sure that it caused this change by thinning my skin.

My question is, is there anything I can do to help or reverse the condition of my skin?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Thinned skin after long term steroid use is reversed after discontinuing the steroid cream but it depends on the strength of the steroid cream and the area and the time for which the steroids are used. Mostly it is reversible but in some case it can be permanent also. Also use of antibiotic creams, antihistaminics, sun screens helps but consultation of a dermatologist is required first.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.