Steroid Cream OK?

[motheroffour]

I've read a few posts on here about staying away from steroids.  What about topical steroids?  Anyone read any studies that suggest that someone should stay away from steroid cream?

[APKhaos]

Topical steriod creams have been very helpful for some with nasty rash SX. Completely cleared my heavy case of Atopical Dermatitis, which was rapidly driving me insane.

You need to be careful, but topical are generally OK. Ingested or injected steroids are a completly different story. Search Prednisone.

[NYgirl]

I am currently using a topical corticosteroid ointment (Cutivate 60) for the horrible eczema that developed on my face.

It is very strong and not generally used On the face (but my rash was that bad) so I can only use it for 3 weeks. The Derm didn't see any contraindications to hep and I looked online and it seemed fine.

Of course it's not prednisone - which we've found out CAN cause big problems and it's just a topical.

[motheroffour]

Thanks, my h's psoriasis is flaring and before he goes back on Enbrel he thought he'd try some topical stuff.  He managed to clear the psorasis with Enbrel before he started the Hep C treatment, but winter is the time of year that psoriasis comes back whether you're on Hep C treatment or not.  He's UND at 12 weeks so he doesn't want to do anything that might challenge that situation.

[mremeet]

I use a topical steroid lotion and shampoo a few times a week (currently in 17th week of treatment). As far as I know, generally it's ok for those with HCV either on or off treatment to use these topical lotions/creams. But they have to be used with caution, and under a qualified dermatologist's supervision. Your hepatologist should also be thoroughly informed of any steroid use, topical or especially oral.

You should know that there are certain risks associated with using the topical lotions/creams. Jim has spoken at length about warnings concerning certain steroid creams on your face and how they may under certain circumstances thin the skin and either cause or exacerbate rosacea and/or acne. Also, if you have a widespread rash over a large part of your body, requiring a large coverage area, your skin actually absorbs the steroids from the topical cream and it can have a similar effect as if you had taken oral prednisone (which is also a steroid). Oral prednisone is an immunosuppressant and has been shown to increase the viral loads in those with HCV. It may also interfere or lower the effectiveness of a normal course of peg/riba combo therapy.

Overall if you have a bad rash and need relief, steroid creams can really help and usually are ok from my experience. Just make sure your derm knows you have HCV and your hepatologist also knows what you're taking. Take care.

[jmjm530]

Topical steroids are OK for liver but need to be used cautiously in terms of the skin. Best therefore to have topical steroid use supervised by a dermatologist if for any extended period of time. Be especially careful using topical steroids on the face. In fact, some derms don't even allow very mild OTC 1% Hydrocortisone on the face -- or at least limit length of exposure.

[Pdilly]

I have had to be on steriods off and on for the last three months.  The only thing I had to stay off of for one week before starting treatments was the zpak and steriod shots.   I have had to do asthma steriods a little.  My doctor said for a shor time and small doses are okay.  He said to run it by him first.  I would not thing cream a couple of times a day sould hurts for a few days.  Before you take my word you probably should verify with your doctor.

[Pdilly]

Gosh sorry about my typing.  Was not even looking and just sent it.  Argh!!!!

[Xenigma]

Topical steroids will raise your viral load.
Suppresses the immune system. My VL went from
760,000 to 4.75 million using a topical on my psoriasis
for 3 months.  Be careful.  I have to say I declined Enbral.
IMO it is a no no when you are trying to fight the virus and keep it in check.
enigma

[jmjm530]

That's less than a one-log difference which in your case could easily be accounted for by either inherent variations of the test itself and/or normal viral load fluctuations. I've never heard of topical steroids raising liver enzymes and my liver specialist was OK with them. Enbrel is another story and I've heard things both ways, but like yourself I declined Enbrel to be on the safe side.

-- Jim

[scubadiver30]

Hi there
is hydroxydecine a topical steroid?
cause is the cream I'm using now for the skin

salu2
scuba

[Xenigma]

I weigh the negatives and positives when using the topicals.  When I get the hives real bad I still take the medrol pack.  (Although I haven't needed it in 4 or 5 years)
I've learned to control or even stop them with benadryl, verapamil, and relaxation. On my psoriasis I'm now using tea tree oil and a band-aid.(Just because it looks ugly)   Tea tree oil is wonderful for many things, I've used it for years, but it just takes a bit longer to heal what ails you than with Rx's.