Corticophobia Or The Fear Of Corticosteroids

In recent decades, the fear of corticosteroids has increased. These drugs can have several serious side effects, but this happens when they are not used in the right doses or are used for too long.

We could define corticosteroid phobia, or fear of corticosteroids, as a set of beliefs and attitudes of fear and rejection of a particular type of medication: corticosteroids. This most often occurs when these substances are used in cream form to treat atopic dermatitis in children.

Statistics show that 20-83% of patients with atopic dermatitis are afraid of steroids. The spectrum is very wide, but as you can see it sometimes covers a majority segment of users.

Most strikingly, many healthcare professionals are also afraid of corticosteroids. The point is that these drugs, although they cause side effects in specific cases, are often the best option for treating various ailments. In addition, they are the subject of many myths.

What are corticosteroids?

Humans naturally secrete corticosteroids, through the adrenal glands and cholesterol molecules. Thus, our body generates two types of corticosteroids, also called corticosteroids. All of these natural substances perform a multitude of functions, including the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins, as well as the regulation of the immune system and the stress response.

The first type of these natural corticosteroids contains 21 carbon atoms. These in turn are divided into two groups. The first is made up of glucocorticoids, which include cortisol or hydrocortisone, and the second is mineralocorticoids, which includes aldosterone.

The second group of corticosteroids produced by the body are the 19 carbon atoms. These include hormones such as andro and strocorticoids.

Synthetic corticosteroids are drugs that mimic the action of natural steroids. If they copy the action of these hormones, they also act with greater potency than these. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, such as dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma, or psoriasis.

Side effects of corticosteroids

Generally speaking, corticosteroids used correctly, in the right dose and for a limited period of time, very rarely have side effects. However, side effects can occur if the above conditions are not met and their use exceeds the limits allowed by medical science.

Here are some of the side effects of steroids:

• Weight gain : they cause water retention and modify lipid metabolism. This can lead to an abnormal distribution of fat in the body. However, this effect only occurs after prolonged use.
• Skin disorders : The skin may become thinner and more fragile. Stretch marks, telangiectasias, or dilated blood vessels may also appear. Here are other possible conditions:
  • Loss of skin color or hypopigmentation
  • Hypertrichosis or the appearance of hair in inappropriate areas
  • Acne reforming lesions
• Increased concentration of glucose in the blood : Corticosteroids alter the metabolism of glucose. They end up causing an increase in blood sugar

There are also reports of increased blood pressure and an increased risk of osteoporosis. They also increase the risk of infections, cause nervousness and mood swings, and influence the development of cataracts.

Fear of corticosteroids

These are all possible side effects that make people afraid of corticosteroids. However, as noted above, when these drugs are used in the correct doses and for a reasonable period of time, they rarely cause such events.

In most cases, the harmful effects do not appear until after prolonged use for several years. The answer to these risks cannot therefore be an irrational fear, but a responsible use of these drugs, taking all the necessary precautions in each case.

Just as there are obvious risks, a number of unfounded myths have also emerged. One myth is that these drugs stop the development of children’s brains. There is no scientific evidence to support this belief. Yet many still believe it is true and fuel their fear of corticosteroids.

To keep in mind

Careful use of medications and knowledge of their side effects are important in preventing them. The problem with the fear of corticosteroids is that it causes some people to avoid these drugs at all costs, which hinders or prevents the treatment of certain diseases. Caution is one thing, but fear based on prejudice is another. It is always a good idea to consult a professional to remove any doubts.