In the 'Supplements And Medications' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about steroid use:
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Have you ever used steroids, in the form of eye drops, by mouth, injections or creams?
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"Don't know" |
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| 2. |
"No, definitely not" |
Never having used steroids |
A risk factor |
| 3. |
"Minor - used for less than 2 weeks" |
Minor steroid use |
A risk factor |
| 4. |
"Moderate - used for up to 3 months" |
Moderate steroid use |
A risk factor |
| 5. |
"Major - used for more than 3 months" |
Major steroid use |
A risk factor |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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4 |
5 |
Glaucoma |
The use of all steroid drugs has been associated with causing "steroid glaucoma" in certain individuals. It is thought that about 5% of people using topical steroids will have a large increase in intraocular pressures. The glaucomatous damage produced is usually stopped by discontinuing use of the steroid; the intraocular pressure returns to normal in about 2 to 4 weeks. However, for those who have been on corticosteroids for more than 4 years, chronic glaucoma can develop that requires treatment. This type of glaucoma is without symptoms and thus similar to primary or low tension open angle glaucoma. The use of steroids very rarely causes a closed angle attack. Patients on these medications need to have eye exams at least twice a year. |
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Rosacea |
If you are using or have used steroid drugs, you may have 'steroid rosacea', a rosacea-like condition on the face caused by potent topical steroids. After several weeks of applying a topical steroid to the eyelids, cheeks or chin the affected area becomes red. Small papules (bumps) and pustules appear intermittently, and may be especially severe when the topical steroid cream is discontinued. If the steroid creams are used for months or years, broken capillaries (telangiectasia) may develop.
A similar condition can arise in other areas treated with topical steroids, particularly the groin and genitals where the absorption of the steroid through the skin is higher. Occasionally steroid rosacea is confused with tinea faciei incognito, a fungal infection masked by topical steroids. |
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GLOSSARY
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Corticosteroid (Corticosteroids)
Steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex.
Glaucoma
A disease of the eye characterized by vision loss due to an increase in the pressure of fluid within the eye. This rise in pressure results from a build-up of aqueous fluid and leads to progressive damage to the optic nerve that transmits visual signals to the brain. Over time, glaucoma can lead to a gradual loss in peripheral vision. There are usually no signs that you're developing glaucoma until vision loss occurs.
Steroid (Steroids)
Any of a large number of hormonal substances with a similar basic chemical structure containing a 17-carbon 14-ring system and including the sterols and various hormones and glycosides.
Telangiectasia
Small, unsightly red, purple or blue blood vessels found along the surface on the face, upper chest, neck and rarely on other parts of the body. Similar veins are found on the legs but called spider veins.
Topical
Most commonly 'topical application': Administration to the skin.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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