People with common skin cream in bathroom 'risk life-threatening complication'

James Rodger

5 June 2024 at 1:14 pm·2-min read

UK households with a common skin cream could be at risk of a life-threatening complication, a study has warned. Patients who lather on topical steroids are at risk of adrenal suppression, according to the UK medicine's watchdog.

Topical steroids will be labelled differently to warn people of the risks. The condition, also called Addison's disease, happens when the gland responsible for producing the essential hormones cortisol and aldosterone gets damaged.

It can arise from "overuse of topical steroids" and is "life-threatening" and "needs urgent treatment”, the Medicines Healthcare and Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said. The UKHSA said: "Topical steroid products are safe and highly effective treatments for the management of a wide range of inflammatory skin diseases but have important risks, especially with prolonged use at high potency. In the coming months, as a result of regulatory action, topical steroid products will be labelled with information on their potency to simplify advice for patients."

Addison's disease is a rare illness affecting the adrenal glands, and damages the gland and prevents it from producing enough of either of the hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, low mood, loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss and increased thirst.

Other signs are dizziness, fainting, cramps and exhaustion. About 10.5million tubes of topical steroids are prescribed each year and 267 people reported reactions similar to topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) over the last two years, the government has warned.

Symptoms of TSW can include intense redness, stinging, and burning of the skin that can spread beyond the initial treatment area. The risk of these and other serious reactions increases with prolonged use of higher potency steroid products.

Over the coming year, topical steroids will be labelled with information on their potency to assist with counselling patients. Healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers are asked to submit reports using the Yellow Card scheme electronically.

News Shopper
Man fighting for life in hospital after incident at major London station
A man is fighting for his life in hospital after an incident at a busy underground station in London.
The Telegraph
Four core exercises that will help you stay upright as you age
We all dream of a flat stomach or even a six-pack, but there are other, arguably more important reasons to work on your core. Beyond aesthetics, a strong core is crucial for overall health especially as we get older. And by ‘core muscles’, I don’t just mean the abdominals but also the muscles in your lower back, hips, and pelvis.
BuzzFeed
People Whose Work Involves Death Are Sharing The Weirdest Things They’ve Seen
Brace yourself before reading.
The Telegraph
James Morrison’s ex-partner left warning note on door before suicide
The former partner of James Morrison, the singer-songwriter, left a note on her door saying “don’t come in, call the police” before taking her own life, an inquest heard.
CNN
Dr. Gupta breaks down differences between age-related memory loss and dementia
CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta outlines the ways you can support your brain health.
BuzzFeed
Surgeons Are Revealing The Mistakes They've Made When Performing Surgery, And I'm Speechless
"Of all the terrible things that happened in residency, that's the one I think about most often."
The Telegraph
More than 250 people infected by E.coli from meal-deal sandwiches
More than 250 people have now been infected with E.coli linked to lettuce in meal-deal sandwiches, the Government has said.
People
Kate Middleton Going Through 'Same Emotions and Fears' as Anyone with Cancer, Says Former Palace Press Secretary
"She might be the Princess of Wales, but she is still a mother and wife," Queen Elizabeth's former press secretary tells PEOPLE exclusively
Yahoo News UK
The unvarnished truth about living with a learning disability
Yahoo News – Insights speaks directly to the people with an inside track on the big issues. Here, Ciara from Surrey explains why people with a learning disability should be seen, heard and valued.
Hello!
Menopause is a breeze thanks to this daily habit
Menopause is not an excuse to stop being active, says 51-year-old Drita Nunez.
BuzzFeed
So THAT'S Why Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others
There are some biological reasons why mosquitoes are more attracted to some people more than others.
The Telegraph
The benefits of a daily walk
“Ten thousand steps a day.” It has become almost a religious mantra for anyone embarking on walking as an exercise routine. But you don’t need to adhere to this to feel the benefits of getting outside and stretching your legs.
The Guardian
As a cancer patient and retired GP, I am seeing first-hand how the NHS is struggling
Letters: Dr Amanda Platts, who had to wait eight weeks to start chemotherapy due to a shortage of funding and nurses, believes taxing people more is the only way to save the health service
Manchester Evening News
Blood needed every eight minutes in Manchester amid NHS urgent call for lifesaving donors as stocks run low
“Right now we especially need more people in Manchester with the critical O negative or O positive types to come in and donate"
Manchester Evening News
Mum diagnosed with incurable disease after months of 'severe tingling'
‘The tingling in my fingers and toes started at night and went on for months and months’
The Telegraph
Number of children claiming disability benefits ‘doubles in a decade’
The number of children receiving disability benefits has doubled in the past decade amid a rise in learning difficulties, ADHD and autism, the Resolution Foundation has found.
The Independent
What your heart rate says about your fitness level
Experts share how people can understand the heart rate data from fitness trackers like the Apple Watch
Western Telegraph
Withyhedge landfill gas emissions above global guidelines, data reveals
Levels of a potentially harmful gas emitted by a local landfill site have been above World Health Organisation recommended levels, it has been revealed.
The Independent
Wife of accused plastic surgeon prepped her own anesthesia before fatal operation
Benjamin Brown performed unwanted procedures on patients, including Brazilian butt lifts, and allowed his wife Hillary to take part despite her not having a medical license, officials say
Women's Health UK
26 best resistance band exercises to get strong without weights
Resistance band exercises are proven to help build lean muscle, without weights. Top PTs show you how to do their favourite moves for every body part.

Latest stories