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steriods stunt babies growth?

4 replies

forevermore · 24/04/2006 16:21

just heard this from a pharmacist. My dd is 9 months and has been prescribed emovate for elbows and knees and 1% hydrocortison for neck for 2 weeks, then this is intended to be reduced in potency until she is weaned off the steriods completely.

when i questions the legth of treatment, the Peadiactric dermatologist we saw says that this is to ensure that inflamation under the skin is dealt with properly not just the surface appearance.

after this period it is inteneded that we just moisturise moisturise moisturise, and try to keep on top of the excema.

i was worried about skin thinning, but now a pharamacist says that use of steriods that can be absorbed into the bloddstream can have a knock on effect to supress the production of chemicals needed t o ensure propoer growth???Shock

anyone else been through this course of treatment. does it make sense to use the steriods for so long?

my husband used them as a child for his excema and is 6'4". Can't help but worry though. i just want to increase her quality of life, because before i started this treatment she never slept for more than 1 hour (always scratching) at a time, and i feel this is more likely to effect poor growth and development than anything else.

OP posts:
Heartmum2Jamie · 24/04/2006 20:38

I would have asked for the proof!!

My son has steriod cream in 2 strengths which we used regularly when his skin was really bad. Although he is slightly on the smaller side (25th centile for height & 9th for weight), this is attributed to his heart condition first, then his food allergies and than genetics, lol! Dh & I are both on the short side, so ds doesn't really stand a chance.

I think that you are right, that poor sleep is more likely to cause harm than the short term use of steriod cream.

TheBlonde · 24/04/2006 21:09

My DS is 14 mths. We have used 1% HC for a year now - off and on when the eczema flares up
No problems with growth here

Wembley · 24/04/2006 21:15

forevermore I have just told my husband about your understandable concerns (he's a GP) and he said that you have been incredibly misinformed. Use the cream as directed - this will have NO adverse affect on you daughters growth. Hope this helps ;)

forevermore · 25/04/2006 07:25

thank you all for your reassurance. it difficult enough to fight the risk v benefit battle without scaremongering and guilt tripsSad

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