After fake ORS battle, paediatrician cautions against following unqualified dermatologists’ advice, says sudden withdrawal of steroids after applying them for ages can push you into coma

She continued, “Do not apply all these creams without any label or information about the composition. Many of them have mercury, retinoids, or steroids, which can affect the growing fetus in pregnant women and can have long-term implications for your skin health. We have known people who have gone into steroid withdrawal coma after using these creams for ages and then suddenly stopping. These kinds of things also happen. Please follow qualified people.”

Taking a cue from her claim, we reached out to Dr Vishalakshi Viswanath, consultant dermatologist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, who explained that, with social media full of beauty influencers and quick-fix skincare trends, it’s easy to get drawn into using creams or serums that promise instant results. “The problem is that many of these products contain hidden ingredients like steroids, mercury, or strong retinoids that can cause long-term harm. What starts as smooth, glowing skin can quickly turn into persistent redness, thinning, and breakouts once the damage begins,” said Dr Vishalakshi.

What happens when steroid creams are used for a long time and then stopped?

Steroid creams are meant for specific skin concerns and short-term use and strictly as per a qualified dermatologist’s prescription, asserted Dr Vishalakshi. “However, many people apply them without knowing their strength or side effects, and often the skin gets addicted to topical steroid use. Prolonged use can make the skin fragile, increase sensitivity, cause increased hair growth on the face, and even changes in skin colour,” mentioned Dr Vishalakshi.

Follow only a qualified expert (Photo: Pexels)

At the same time, Dr Vishalakshi concurred with Dr Sivaranjani and shared that “usually systemic steroid withdrawal causes coma”. “Topical steroid withdrawal can cause psychological disturbances leading to emotional fluctuations and sleep disturbances,” said Dr Vishalakshi.

How can people stay safe when choosing skincare products?

Avoid taking skincare advice from unverified online sources or videos that promote “miracle” solutions. “Always read ingredient lists and be suspicious of products that promise dramatic results in a short time. A good rule of thumb, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” said Dr Vishalakshi.

 

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What are some safer skincare habits to follow?

Keep your routine simple and consistent: cleanse, moisturise, and protect your skin from the sun. Choose gentle, trusted products and pay attention to how your skin reacts.

“Skincare isn’t about shortcuts or trends, it’s about patience, awareness, and taking care of your body safely,” said Dr Vishalakshi.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.