Fear Of Corticosteroids

Fear of corticosteroids can be defined as fear and control of a particular type of medication (corticosteroids). This is most often the case when such agents are used as an ointment in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children.

According to some statistics,  about 20-83% of patients with atopic dermatitis are afraid of corticosteroids. The variability is very high, but as you can see, it affects many users.

The most amazing thing is that there are also a large number of healthcare professionals who are afraid of corticosteroids. While these drugs can cause side effects in some cases, they are also the best option for treating many different diseases. There are also many myths that only increase the fear of corticosteroids.

What are corticosteroids?

Humans secrete corticosteroids naturally  through the adrenal glands as well as when using cholesterol molecules. Through this process, the body produces two types of corticosteroids, also known as corticoids. All of these natural ingredients have endless functions that include carbohydrate and protein metabolism, immune system regulation, and stress responses.

The first group of such natural corticosteroids contains 21 carbon atoms. They are also divided into two different groups. The first group is glucocorticoids, which include cortisol and hydrocortisol, among others. Another group is mineralocorticoids, which include aldosterone.

Another group of corticosteroids produced by the body contains 19 carbon atoms. It is made up of hormones such as androgens and estrogens.

Synthetic corticosteroids are drugs that stimulate the action of natural corticosteroids. Although they mimic the action of these hormones, they are also much more potent than natural corticosteroids. For this reason, they are used to treat various diseases such as dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma and psoriasis.

Side effects of corticosteroids

In general, if corticosteroids are used in the right way, with the right dosage, and for a short time, it is very rare that they cause any side effects. However, side effects can occur if you do not follow these instructions and use them within the limits recommended by your doctor.

Here are some of the side effects of corticosteroids:

• Weight gain: They cause fluid to build up and alter lipid metabolism, which can cause abnormal distribution of fat in the body. However, such an effect only occurs after prolonged use.

• Skin disorders: The skin may become thinner and weaker. Pregnancy scars may appear on the skin and blood vessels may dilate, skin color may change, hypertrichosis or excessive hair growth may occur in unusual places, and acne may break out.
• Increased blood glucose levels: Corticosteroids alter glucose metabolism and eventually cause an increase in blood sugar.

There have been some reports of an increase in blood pressure and an increased risk of suffering from osteoporosis . It also increases the risk of getting infections, causes nervousness and mood swings, and can also affect the development of cataracts.

Fear of corticosteroids

Fear of corticosteroids arises from all these possible side effects. As we mentioned earlier, when you use these drugs at the right dosage and interval, it is very unlikely that you will notice such side effects.

In most cases,  adverse effects only occur after prolonged use over  several years. For this reason, there should be no absurd fear of responding to these risks, but instead use these medicines responsibly and with care.

Because of the obvious risk factors associated with these drugs,  they have also given rise to a number of unfounded myths. One of the myths is that these drugs stop the development of children’s brains. There is no scientific evidence for this belief, but many people still believe it to be true and it increases the fear of corticosteroids.

Keep in mind

It is important to use medications properly and to know their side effects to prevent them. However, fear of corticosteroids causes some people to avoid this drug by all means preventing or completely preventing the treatment of certain diseases.

Caution is important, but basing fear on prejudice rather than facts is a whole different matter. It always makes sense to talk to your doctor to remove any doubts.