A house RESOLUTION

 

to encourage all South Carolinians to increase their awareness of and gain prevention education on the signs of topical steroid dependence and the risks associated with topical steroid withdrawal syndrome and to declare February 3, 2026, as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day in South Carolina.

 

Whereas, topical steroid withdrawal syndrome (TSWS), also known as Topical Steroid Addiction or Red Skin Syndrome, is a severe and debilitating condition that can arise from intentional or unintentional exposure to topical steroids; and

 

Whereas, topical steroids are widely prescribed and available over the counter to treat both acute and chronic skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata; and

 

Whereas, TSWS is characterized by severe symptoms such as skin flushing, inflammation, diffuse spreading rashes, profuse skin flaking, and intense burning and itching that often surpass the severity of the original condition, typically manifesting after the use of topical steroids, between treatments, or upon discontinuation; and

 

Whereas, recovery from TSWS can take several months to several years, leaving many sufferers bedridden or housebound and unable to work, care for children, or attend school; and

           

Whereas, the prolonged withdrawal and recovery period can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health, with eighty-one percent of adults and fifty-six percent of children experiencing TSWS reporting anxiety or depression and forty-seven percent of adults and eleven percent of children reporting suicidal ideation; and

 

Whereas, the prevalence of topical steroid addiction remains unknown due to a scarcity of published research; and

 

Whereas, limited research on TSWS hinders the development of diagnostic criteria; the understanding of its causes, effects, and mechanisms; the establishment of appropriate treatment protocols; and the education of both healthcare providers and patients on TSWS and steroid stewardship; and

 

Whereas, a lack of awareness and education about TSWS among both patients and providers can lead to misunderstandings, causing patients to question their providers' medical oversight and leading providers to suspect medication noncompliance or, in some cases, parental neglect. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, declare February 3, 2026, as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Day in South Carolina and encourage all South Carolinians to increase their awareness of and gain prevention education on the signs of topical steroid dependence and the risks associated with topical steroid withdrawal syndrome. 

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