If you’ve ever experienced Eczema, Psoriasis or Dermatitis, there's a good chance you've been prescribed topical steroids from your Doctor or Dermatologist before. You also probably found relief, however short-term that may have been, only to then experience an intense rebound of your original symptoms (but worse). You're not alone.

Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is something more and more people are facing worldwide, often without knowing what it is or how to get support and relief.

Let's chat and talk through what is happening to your skin and why, what you can do to support it and how MooGoo might be able to help in a gentle, natural way.

 

What Is TSW?

TSW is the acronym for Topical Steroid Withdrawal, a condition that occurs when a person has used corticosteroid creams (steroids) for a period of time and then stops. These creams are typically prescribed for Eczema, Psoriasis and Dermatitis, but over time, the skin can easily and quickly become dependent on them.

And sure, at first, there's a little relief. But then? The cycle starts. Stronger doses, increased flare-ups, thinning skin and then TSW. Withdrawal symptoms can start during your steroid treatment or once you stop using the creams. All of a sudden, you're stuck in a frustrating, painful, debilitating and disheartening journey that may be worse than your original condition itself. 

 

What Does Topical Steroid Withdrawal Look Like?

While it can vary from person to person (our bodies and skin are so unique from one another), common TSW symptoms include:

• Red, burning or hot skin
• Skin peeling, flaking or oozing
• Itching, stinging or nerve pain
• Swelling or hypersensitivity
• Insomnia, fatigue, anxiety or depression 

It’s an incredibly raw and vulnerable experience, both physically and emotionally, especially because it can feel or look worse than the original skin issue that started it all.

 

What Does Topical Steroid Withdrawal Look Like?

Steroid medications work by suppressing inflammation. Over time, if used continuously or too often, the skin can become addicted to the cream, meaning it needs higher doses or stronger steroids to stay calm. Once you stop (some can experience this before stopping too), the suppressed inflammation rushes back, with a vengeance. And unlike Eczema or Psoriasis, TSW isn’t a relapse - it’s a rebound reaction to withdrawal.

Unfortunately, Topical Steroid Withdrawal isn't a formally recognised medical condition by professionals as it's a complex and well-debated topic within the medical community. While more and more people are suffering from TSW, the medical community lacks definitive evidence to support a distinct diagnostic criteria. Recent studies show that 88.4% of Dermatologists agree, TSW needs urgent study.

 

So, What Can You Do?

TSW isn’t forever, but sadly, there is no specific timeline. The skin of one person could take 6 months to heal completely and the skin of another could take years. While there's no on-size-fits-all treatment available, many people focus on skin barrier repair, lifestyle changes and reducing potential triggers as much as possible.

 

Here are our top tips for surviving TSW:

1. Be Gentle With Your Skin (Always)

Now is the time to throw away anything harsh, stripping or artificially fragranced. Use ultra-gentle cleansers and moisturisers with natural ingredients that support your skin barrier instead of overloading it. 

Try: Ultra Gentle Ceramide Cleanser - it's made for hypersensitive, fragile or reactive skin and is 100% soap-free. We use the lowest-irritation cleanser available and Ceramides to reinforce and support the skin barrier while locking in moisture. This Ceramide Cleanser is Dermatologically Tested, pH balanced to 5.5, free from irritants and ideal for the face and body, all ages and all skin types. 

 

2. Moisturise Strategically

Some people with TSW prefer to go moisture withdrawal (MW), while others slather it on. Listen to your skin, see how it reacts and do what feels right for you - everyone's skin is different, so what you see working for someone on TikTok might not work for you.

If you do decide to moisturise, please read the labels and check for petroleum, perfumes and preservatives - you will want to steer clear of these ingredients as they're known irritants for sensitive skin.

Try: Soothing MSM, Skin Milk, Full Cream or Fast Hydrating Lotion- all four moisturisers are made for barrier-loving nourishment without the fluff or nasties. 

• The Soothing MSM Moisturiser is well-loved for calming, soothing and cooling the skin. We use 10% Organic MSM Sulphur, Olive Squalane and Allantoin to combat inflammation, irritation and redness, reducing skin discomfort in a medium-weight moisturiser. 
• The Skin Milk Udder Cream is our OG MooGoo product that started it all. Skin Milk is perfect for dry, dull and fragile skin that nourishes, soothes and provides all round protection in a simple formula. We use Rice Bran, Sweet Almond and Olive Oils, Milk Protein and Aloe Vera for restoring skin health in a light-medium-weight formula.
• The Full Cream Moisturiser is perfect for targeting super dry, flaky and peel-y skin. It's thick, rich and creamy consistency has the base of Skin Milk but with added ingredients like Honey, Olive Squalane and Apple Cider Vinegar to deeply hydrate in a heavy-weight formula.
• The Fast Hydrating Lotion is Hypoallergenic and Clinically Proven to replenish dry, dull skin in a fast-absorbing lotion formula. Made with Aloe Vera, German Chamomile, Sweet Almond Oil and Olive Squalane, our Fast Hydrating Lotion nurtures and improves hydration of delicate, damaged and sensitive skin - all in a super lightweight formula.

 

3. Avoid Known Triggers

During TSW, your skin can react to everything, so it’s worth keeping a journal and making gentle swaps when you notice something as a trigger. Below are common triggers for hypersensitive skin:

• Hot showers and baths
• Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, rayon, nylon, spandex or rubber
• Household items like handwash, dishwashing or washing machine detergent, fabric softener or hand sanitizers
• Stress
• Spicy or high histamine foods
• Essential oils and perfumes

 

4. Cool Compresses

Cooling compresses can bring relief to hot, inflamed skin or during fiery flares. Keep some soft face cloths (cotton or bamboo) in the freezer or fridge and use as needed to calm the skin.

 

5. Watch Out for Hidden Steroids

Some over-the-counter creams can still contain mild steroids or ingredients that mimic them. Read labels carefully! The last thing you need is to unknowingly set yourself back.

 

6. Focus On Barrier Repair With Targeted Creams

Your skin barrier has taken a hit. Support it with ingredients targeted creams to help nourish the skin and reduce symptoms.

Try: Eczema & Psoriasis Cream with Marshmallow, Elderberry & More - this concentrated formula is made with soothing ingredients to reduce inflammation, redness and flare-ups. We combine Marshmallow Root Extract, Coconut Oil, Elderberry, Calendula Extract, Centella Asiatica, German Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Squalane and Allantoin - these 5-star ingredients help restore, nourish and soothe the skin while providing lasting hydration.

Our Double Cream with Ceramides is an ultra hydrating cream designed to preserve and improve healthy skin barrier function. We use an innovative barrier technology with emollient lipids and potent antioxidants, plus Double Cream contains Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF), humectants that mimic those found in the skin. Our Double Cream is well-loved in the Oncology space too as it provides a protective barrier during treatment and improves inflamed skin, redness, texture and flakiness.

 

While our new breakthrough Pink Eczema Cream is a game-changer for managing Eczema, Psoriasis and Dermatitis, we don’t recommend using it until you’re well into the later stages of your TSW healing journey. The formula contains powerful ingredients like Vitamin B12 and Nigella Sativa, which may be too active for skin that’s severely inflamed, raw or broken. It’s also designed to help restore the skin by encouraging gentle peeling and renewal, something that can be too harsh for skin still in the thick of TSW. When your skin is stronger and more stable, this cream can be a supportive next step.

7. Don't Overdo The Showers

You don’t need to be squeaky clean every day - in fact, overdoing it with the showers can make TSW symptoms worse. Keep showers short and lukewarm, and skip showering altogether if your skin feels too raw.

8. Keep It Breathable

Loose, natural fabrics like 100% organic cotton and bamboo are your best bet. Try swapping your bedding, sleepwear and daily clothes for these fabrics to reduce any friction, irritation and trapped heat.

 

9. Support Your Mental Health

TSW isn’t just skin deep, it can take a real toll on your confidence, mental health and overall wellbeing. Be gentle with yourself. This journey can feel incredibly isolating, but please remember: you are not alone. There are many TSW communities and support groups online. Connecting with others who are going through it, or who’ve made it through the worst, can offer comfort, guidance and a sense of solidarity.

If the constant stream of information around Topical Steroid Withdrawal ever becomes too much, it’s okay to take a step back. Logging off social media or pausing your research for a while can help protect your mental space.

Even if you don’t feel up to facing the world, something as simple as stepping outside for a short walk and some fresh air can make a meaningful difference too.

 

10. Trust The Process

Healing from TSW takes time, but the body is incredibly resilient. And don’t forget to celebrate the small wins. On tough days, even things like having a shower or changing clothes can feel monumental, and that’s okay. Progress is progress, no matter the size and every little step forward deserves to be acknowledged.

 

The MooGoo Difference

We’re not doctors and we don’t pretend to have a magic cure. But we do make products designed for people with real skin problems, using ingredients we’re proud of - not ones we have to hide. 

If you’re navigating TSW, we’re here with natural alternatives to steroid creams, soothing solutions and a whole lot of empathy. You've got this!

Need Help Choosing Products for TSW?

Reach out to our friendly Customer Service team! We’re real people (who love a chat!) and are here to guide you through any skin journey. We also proudly offer a 100% money-back guarantee - so if you don't love what you bought, we'll refund you.