Topical corticosteroid withdrawal — or TSW — is one of those things you don't know about until you're living it. It can sneak up on you after stopping a steroid cream you’ve used for weeks, months, or even years. Suddenly, your skin feels like it’s on fire, flaring in ways you’ve never seen before. We’ve been there. And we’re here to help unpack what’s really going on.

So… What Is TSW?

Also called Red Skin Syndrome (RSS) or Topical Steroid Addiction (TSA), TSW is a withdrawal reaction that can happen after prolonged or inappropriate use of moderate- to high-potency steroid creams. It’s not common — but when it hits, it hits hard. And yes, it can be confused with a regular eczema flare.

Why Does It Happen?

When steroids are used for too long or too frequently, the skin can become dependent. So when you stop — even if your doctor told you to — your skin might panic and go into a kind of rebound overdrive. The result? Raw, red, painful skin that burns, flakes, oozes, and stings.

What Does It Look Like?

• Redness that spreads beyond original application areas
• Burning or stinging sensations (not just itching)
• Swelling, thickened skin, blisters, or papules
• Dryness, peeling, sensitivity to touch, or cold/hot temperatures
• Intolerance to moisturisers (yes, even natural ones)
• Insomnia, fatigue, and even emotional distress

Wait — Isn’t It Just Eczema?

That’s what makes TSW so confusing. The symptoms *look* like eczema, but the burn, spread, and severity feel very different. TSW can happen even when the original eczema was under control. It often appears in unusual areas like the face, genitals, or neck — even if you didn’t apply steroid there.

Who’s at Risk?

• Anyone who used moderate to high-strength steroids for long periods (over 12 months)
• Daily use or overuse of creams, even if unintentionally
• Application to sensitive skin areas like the face or groin
• Women (especially those who flush easily)
• Even caregivers who apply the cream to children and don’t wash their hands after

How Is It Diagnosed?

Honestly? Often it’s not. Many doctors still treat it as regular eczema and re-prescribe steroids. But if your skin starts flaring after stopping a cream — and you’re feeling symptoms that don’t match your usual eczema — TSW could be the real issue.

How Long Does It Last?

Everyone’s skin story is different. Some recover in a few months, others take years. It depends on how long the steroids were used, your overall health, and what you do to support the healing phase. Spoiler: it’s not an overnight fix. But healing does happen.

So… What Helps?

We’ve walked this journey with hundreds of customers in Singapore — and one thing’s clear: your skin needs calm, not clutter.

• Our go-to: Z-Advanced Moisturiser with zinc oxide helps soothe burning, inflamed skin
• Botanical Repair Balm for nourishing cracked, dry patches during recovery stages
• Bar Soap that doesn’t strip your skin’s natural barrier

Start here with our Hyper Sensitive Starter Pack →

Can It Be Prevented?

Yes. Education is key. TSW often happens because users don’t know what they were prescribed — or weren’t told how long to use it. It’s not the steroid that’s evil. It’s the chronic use without proper tapering or education.

Always ask:

• What strength is this cream?
• How long should I use it?
• What are the signs I should stop?

Final Words from Mummybrand

We’re not here to fearmonger — we’re here because we’ve seen too many people suffer in silence, confused by what’s happening to their skin. Our co-founder went through it. Hundreds in our community are healing from it. You’re not alone.

Healing is possible. It might take time. But we make sure the journey feels supported, clean, and gentle.

→ Get started with our Hyper Sensitive Starter Pack

Mummybrand — Made Fresh. Made For Healing.