Corticosteroids are mentioned a lot on this website, because they play a major role when dealing with various skin conditions such as eczema.  With that said, I think it would be best if we took the time to go over what exactly a corticosteroid is, so no one gets confused.

What Is Corticosteroid?

Corticosteroids aka cortisone, are of course, steroids.  They are a fake, constructed version of the body's hormone cortisol that have been used since the 1950's for skin inflammation.  Anytime you are taking steroid medicine or using it topically, you are putting yourself in the path of side effects.  Side effects range from little to big.  
You can experience: 

• Weight gain
• Loss of taste, smell
• Change in appetite
• Vomiting (Caused by oral corticosteroids)
• Weakened Immune System
• Irregular heartbeat
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nervousness
• Loss of sleep
• Rashes
• Swelling (face, lips)
• Acne
• Muscle cramps
• Pain
• Loss of sight
• Cataracts
• Kidney failure
• Osteoporosis (Loss of bone density due to long term treatments of steroids)
• Depression
• Menstrual peoblems
• Glaucoma (Which is caused by ointment being around the eyes)

The list just goes on and on to an endless count.  Sometimes you will be taking a steroid and not experience side effects, but they can sneak up and haunt you later on.  

Corticosteroids are meant to treat inflammation, swelling, redness, etc.  Other times, it can be used to help treat asthma, arthritis, and those who suffer from severe allergies.  Corticosteroids are used as a temporary alternative treatment for eczema, skin conditions, allergies, etc.

There are different types of corticosteroids:

• Topical
• Injected
• Inhaled
• Oral

All types are dangerous to use.  Just because topical corticosteroids are applied on the surface, doesn't mean you can't experience the side effects.  When a topical steroid is applied on the surface, it seeps through the skin and still gets in.  This will make it so you can experience the side effects and your kidneys will still suffer because they work so hard to get it out through urination.  Using corticosteroids as eczema treatments is very risky.

Topical Corticosteroids 

Topical corticosteroids include ointments, lotions, foams, etc, that aren't as strong as prescribed ointments and are sold over the counter.  If you decide to use one of these, it is best to use it for a couple short days and turn over to another cream.  Topical steroids can cause thinning of the skin, loss of pigment color, easy bruising.  You should always remember to stay away from your face.  Your face is one of the most sensitive parts when it comes to steroid creams and will very easily result in splotches.  If a doctor ever prescribes me a steroid cream, they always make sure I know to never apply it to my face.

Oral Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids come in the form of pills as well and this eczema medication can only be received through doctor prescription.  These are mostly used for severe cases and for short periods of time because of the long-term side effects.  

Injected Corticosteroids

The can also be injected through shots.  I personally have had this done one time and on the same spot it was injected, I know have a dent in my arm because it broke down my tissue.  Even though my shot was for my eczema, injected corticosteroids are generally used to treat  joint problems and is only allowed 4 to 5 times a year due to the long-term side effects.

Inhaled Corticosteroids

You can also inhale corticosteroids.  This is mainly used for asthma or those with allergies.  You inhale them into the lung airways and it reduces inflammation, which in result reduces asthma attacks.  

Corticosteroids While During A Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and taking steroids, it may cause problems for the baby when it is born.  If you must use steroids while pregnant, the best way to go is to inhale them.  If you are using steroid creams to treat a skin condition, make sure you use them the right way so you don't cause any problems during the pregnancy.

If you are breastfeeding and taking steroids, the drug gets passed to the baby through the milk and may cause growth problems for the baby such as a clef lip and palate.  However, creams and topicals have not shown problems while breastfeeding, just don't apply it to the breast before breastfeeding.  Talk to your doctor if you are wanting to use steroids during a pregnancy.

As you can see, there is a lot of definition when it comes to corticosteroids.  I hope you read through and learned exactly what corticosteroids are.  I know some may have only through it was a pill or a lotion when in fact it comes in many different forms.  

Talk to you doctor about corticosteroids before making the decision to use them.  Your doctor should closely supervise you while you are taking any form of steroids.  And PLEASE take caution.  Do not let yourself get addicted.  It is easy when you experience clean and clear free skin.  Stay as healthy as you can be! Good Luck!