Topical Steroid cream induced atrophy and stretch marks

Hi there, I had had years of rashes, fungal ones, in my groin area. My doctor prescribed me with cream like Hydrocortisone, which are steroid based. Recently after moving away from a damp area, the problem of the rashes is gone now. However, after prolonged use of the cream, I have now got line-patterned stretch marks in my groin area (caused by folding of skin (dark) and thinning of skin (light) ), and around them, there's darkened skin, which is slight shinny when there's light. So far, no one has noticed it yet, in bed I mean. But it always worries me that my partner would eventually find out about it. Does anyone have the same problem? Or did anyone? Also, was gonna post in the "ask a doctor" forum, but found that I cannot do that, anyone know why is that?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Stretch marks, thinning of skin and hyperpigmentation are common side effects of long term use of steroids. Creams containing alpha hydroxyl acids and retin-A are said to be useful in decreasing the stretch marks but the advertised antimarks creams have no proof of effectiveness. Eat healthy ,nutritious food ,drink plenty of fluids and do moderate exercises. Laser therapy, and dermabrasion, alone or in combination have also been shown to be effective in diminishing the appearance of stretch marks. For that you need to consult a dermatologist.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[mlhk]

Thankyou doctor for the prompt reply and sorry for not noticing the reply earlier. Recently I saw a report on the internet which claims that a cream named Vivida is effective in treating my type of atrophy, http://www.llogo.hu/vivida/vivida1.html and it looks scientific enough to me (but I've never been much of a scientist myself), does it look credible to you doctor? And it mentions that patients participated showed "increased pigmentation", since I have hyperpigmentation, does that mean that cream is not for me?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since this cream contains natural or herbal constituents, so unfortunately I am unaware of these or their side effects. It is best to consult a cosmetologist and ask about this cream.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[deni999]

hi ,  
2 years  ago ... i became uv sensitive so wen evr i went out in the sun i got white patches on  ma skin which were  some times itchy and some times not i went to a  skin specialist for it  and he prescribed as usually prescribed by most dermats  some oint ment which had  steroid in it  everytime i went to him fr  an appointment and ghe wuould tell me  to continue using it as a resulkt of  which i developed  stretch marks really long and  reddish in nature  on the medial part of ma arms and ma underarms . later i was told it is what is called steroid induced strtch marks. i   was told tht laser surgery would improve it  upto 85% and make the skin more even , i took upto  6 sittings in a matter  2 years i ve seen alot of improvement(60%)  but i was also told tht  ma skin would nver go back to  how it was befre  the stretch marks appeared no matter how many creams u try or may be drinking fluids and eating healthy would help bt  its more emotional scr than the physical scar...  but  thts just me .