I use Topical Steroids, a medium potency steroid(Triamcinole (Kenalog®) 0.025%, 0.1% cream, ointment, lotion). Also mixed into the cream is a 10% AHA that has moisturizing qualities. Now i have been using this cream for about 1 and 1/2 years with amazing results as most steroids give. It reduces general redness, flushing/blushing, and the warmth in general. Now i pretty much use this cream daily, i don't usually use it on the weekends or when i am just staying home. I do not have like crazy rebounds or anything, whether i have thick skin or something i am not sure...i can't see veins or anything on my arms, barely in my hands and i am average weight. I plan on stopping this treatment in a few weeks when summer vacation starts for me in order to do some tests on myself. Anyway my main question is to past users of steroid creams.

1. What was the steroid?
2. Is it possible to measure the thickness of skin?
3. How often did you use it?
4. How long did you use it before noticing any thinning of skin?

DISCLAIMER: I do not encourage the use of topical steroids at all. I have read up on all the bad side effects of steroids and do not need to be reinformed about them. I simply want these questions answered.

Also note, that trimacinole is .025%-.1% compared to over the counter Hydrocortisone 1%, and 2.5% prescribed usually.

-Nick



Off topic question...If you tan does it only tan the very top layer of the skin. Like if i get a tan, and than use an AHA will it peel the tan away also...just wondering ?

u should really ask ur derm who prescibed u the steroid them 4 questions.

as for the off tpoic question, yes u tan the top layer, and if u ever had a tan peel, it would be the same as AHA peeling it also. I always thought AHA was for the body (skin).

Yeah, i have an appointment scheduled...just seems to take forever. Anyway if anyone here has had any experience with topical steroids please post anything related to the questions. Whether good or bad, long term or short term. thx

-Nick