STATE OF MAINE
_____
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR
_____
JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 3, 2024 AS
TOPICAL STEROID WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME AWARENESS
DAY
WHEREAS, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome, also known as Topical Steroid
Addiction or Red Skin Syndrome, is a severe, debilitating condition that can arise from
intentional or unintentional exposure to topical steroids; and
WHEREAS, topical steroids are widely prescribed and purchased over the counter to treat
acute and chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo and alopecia areata; and
WHEREAS, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome is characterized by skin flushing,
inflammation, diffuse spreading rashes, profuse skin flaking and a burning and itching worse
than the original condition, symptoms that typically appear after the use of topical steroid
treatments, between treatments or after discontinuing treatments; and
WHEREAS, symptoms may take several months to several years to subside, leaving some
Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome sufferers bedridden and housebound, unable to work,
care for children or go to school; and
WHEREAS, a prolonged withdrawal and recovery period can take a significant toll on a
person's mental and physical health, and 81% of adults and 56% of children experiencing
Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome report feeling anxious or depressed and 47% of adults
and 11% of children experiencing Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome report suicidal
ideation; and
WHEREAS, the prevalence of topical steroid addiction is unknown due to a scarcity of
published research; and
WHEREAS, the scarcity of research on Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome impedes
efforts to define diagnostic criteria; understand the causes, mechanics and effects of the
syndrome; develop appropriate treatment protocols; and educate providers and patients about
the syndrome and steroid stewardship; and
WHEREAS, a lack of awareness of and education about Topical Steroid Withdrawal
Syndrome among patients and providers can lead patients to question their providers' medical
oversight and providers to suspect their patients of medication noncompliance and occasionally
parental neglect; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty-first Legislature now
assembled in the Second Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this
opportunity to designate February 3, 2024 as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome
Awareness Day and to express our support for increased awareness and prevention education
on the signs of topical steroid dependence and the risks of Topical Steroid Withdrawal
Syndrome.
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