Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0340

HR0340 LRB104 13510 ECR 25972 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSWS), 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 as well as chronic skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata; and

WHEREAS, TSWS is characterized by skin flushing, inflammation, diffuse spreading rashes, profuse skin flaking, and burning and itching worse than the original condition, and these symptoms typically appear after use of topical steroid treatments, between treatments, or after discontinuing topical steroids; and

WHEREAS, It can take several months to several years for symptoms to subside, leaving some TSWS sufferers bedridden and housebound, unable to work, care for children, or attend school; and

WHEREAS, A prolonged withdrawal and recovery period for TSWS can take a significant toll on both patients' mental health and physical health, with 81% of adults and 56% of children experiencing TSWS reporting feeling anxious and/or depressed and 47% of adults and 11% of children experiencing TSWS reporting suicidal ideation; and

WHEREAS, The prevalence of topical steroid addiction is unknown due to a scarcity of published research, and the limited research on TSWS impedes efforts to define diagnostic criteria for the condition, understand its causes, mechanics, and effects, develop appropriate treatment protocols, and educate providers and patients about TSWS and steroid stewardship; and

WHEREAS, A lack of awareness of and education about TSWS among patients and providers can lead to friction between them, causing patients to question their providers' medical oversight and providers to suspect their patients of medication non-compliance and, occasionally, parental neglect; and

WHEREAS, All parties would benefit greatly from awareness and prevention education on the signs of topical steroid dependence and the risks of TSWS; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize February 3, 2025 as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day to bring attention to Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSWS).