Trimovate Cream For Eczema? Dangers + Alternative Treatment
It’s that time again.
Summer is coming to an end and those cold winter mornings are beginning to become more fact than fiction.
And how does your skin decide to react? BAM! With a flare up.
Damn eczema can be such a joy, can’t it?!
Your skin begins to dry out, it itches, looks inflamed - all the stuff you’d hope would never again return (although knew it would).
So what’s your go to?
Trimovate cream seems like a good solution, right? It’s prescribed by the doctors and has worked in the past. Bingo!
And although we’re not trying to detract from this viable treatment plan for many, we do want to shed some light on trimovate cream (a corticosteroid), the dangers it can present and also show you some alternative treatment options that might just tickle your dry patch.
In this article you’ll find:
1) What is eczema?
2) What are topical steroids and how do they work?
3) When and how topical steroids are used
4) The dangers
5) Alternative treatment options
So first off (just quickly), what is eczema?
Eczema is a common, chronic, non-infectious skin condition.
It causes inflammation of the skin, itchiness and dry patches that can become cracked and fissured.
There are 7 types in total you need to be aware of:
1) Atopic dermatitis
2) Contact dermatitis
3) Dyshidrotic eczema
4) Discoid eczema
5) Seborrheic dermatitis
6) Venous insufficiency dermatitis
7) Neurodermatitis
Flare ups often occur at random and can be particularly stressful and emotionally draining for those suffering.
The key is understanding your triggers and finding the right balance between lifestyle changes and complimentary skincare products that can help you manage your symptoms.
What are topical steroids and how do they work?
Topical steroids (like trimovate cream) are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for all types of eczema.
They work by reducing inflammation and can help heal itchy, dry, cracked skin.
They are classified by their strength which ranges from Class 1 (super potent) to Class 7 (least potent).
When and how are topical steroids used?
Steroid creams are prescribed when one or more patches of eczema flare up.
Different strengths are often given for different parts of the body - Class 1-2 usually treats rashes on the palms and soles (where there’s thicker skin) and Class 6 or 7 is reserved for delicate skin such as the face.
The intention is that corticosteroids are used only for a very short period - maybe 7-14 days - and then stopped as soon as the flare up has been controlled.
The issue is that often this advice is not followed - and topical steroids like trimovate cream are used for months on end with the sufferer not being aware of potential side effects.
The dangers of topical steroids like trimovate cream
- Thinning of the skin
- Stretch marks
- Acne-like flares
- Topical steroid withdrawal
The last one (TSW) can cause devastating side effects and make it very difficult to withdraw from steroid treatment, creating a downward spiral that may at times seem hard to escape from. And although it’s rare - it’s still certainly possible. See our blog here on Red Skin Syndrome to find out more details.
Alternative treatment
If you’re not liking the sound of the side effects - we don’t blame you.
So what can be done instead?
The key is finding a product that can help stop your skin itching, as well as repairing the skin barrier and reducing inflammation.
Enter our very own calming spray!
Enriched with a blend of 3 traditional Chinese herbs used for centuries in Asian medicine, our soothing and nourishing formula has been specifically designed to target the symptoms of eczema prone skin.
Extremely effective at stopping the need to itch as well as restoring the appearance of dry, cracked skin, our calming spray provides targeted relief for that patch of skin that just will. not. stop. itching.
Wonderful!
Final word
Topical steroids like trimovate cream can, when used sensibly in small doses, provide welcoming relief for eczema symptoms.
The dangers come when you repeatedly have to apply a topical steroid, slowly going up in strength, to keep your flare up under control.
Fast forward 3 years and you’ve unknowingly damaged your skin beyond repair.
It’s this exact reason that drove us to produce our own product in the first place - to create a natural alternative that’s just as effective.
Any questions? Jump over to our Twitter page and let us know!
With care,
The yan-yee team
Sources
- Topical steroids. (2020). Link
- Anil A, et al. (2014). Topical steroid-damaged skin. Link
- Treatment and prevention of spider veins. (2019). Link
- Perioral Dermatitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. (2018). Link
- Atopic eczema. (2019). Link
