Freaking Out - Overuse of Topical Steroid on Toddler?

[QS90]

My idiot partner has been putting Eumovate on my poor toddler's face for three weeks, when it was prescribed for 5 to 7 days. Similarly he has been putting Betnovate on his arms for three weeks, instead of the 1 to 2 weeks prescribed (then dropping to twice a week). Fury doesn't even come close.

I know over-use of steroids can lead to skin damage, thinning of the skin and resistance to steroids increasing, and have emailed the hospital (he is under their care for his skin), but am freaking out. Does anyone have any experience of steroid use / how long they used them for / how long it is before skin is damaged??

You probably need to calm down. Your poor partner!

To put this into perspective for you - my son has always had moderate eczema on and off since he was a baby. I've used eumovate for weeks on end when I needed to - on his face and everywhere else. His skin is absolutely perfect - in between eczema bouts!

Oh and his age? 16.

So just get over yourself (said kindly)

Hi I don't think it's fair to say get over yourself. I had the same thing, done by my partner when my DS was a baby and I still worry about it. We are told to be careful about steroids for reasons, so don't pooh-pooh other people's concerns.

@Newlyclueless you don't get to decide what someone else posts. I've given my view backed up by my own experience. You're equally as welcome to give your opinion 🤷‍♀️

Those creams are very mild. Skin-thinning happens with very prolonged use of strong cream, not weak over-the-counter creams for a few weeks.

Hi, ChocChip, your experience is exactly that, your experience. This is what's called anecdotal evidence. Is it more valid than medical advice? Also you don't need to say I'm equally as (sic) welcome to give my opinion, that's axiomatic.

I had very bad eczema as a child, used steroids including Betnovate for prolonged periods on and off for years, no long term damage. I have mostly good skin as an adult (so long as I avoid known allergens, I'm eczema free)

I understand you're worried and I think it's great to stick to the guidelines where possible but I also think it's very unlikely to have caused lasting harm

Eczema from birth. Lots of steroid cream over the years. No skin thinning yet. In fact people comment on how great my face skin is quite often (early 40s).

Yes you wouldn't want to use it for months on end but 3 weeks instead of 1 doesn't merit this level of worry.

I’d agree with previous posters it’s not the end of the world.

Going forward whenever you start with a treatment, write it on a whiteboard/paper on the fridge and then you can tick off the applications to make sure neither of you gets confused. Your DH could probably do with a reminder of the fingertip rule for amounts to apply too if he’s just slapping it on!

Thank-you all, it's a real relief to read all of your posts. I will try and panic no more! I am very pleased to hear I'm over-reacting that's great news.

@Nomorescreentime The annoying thing was that I'd spoken to him about it, and put the chart from the doctors on the spice rack, and sent a photo of said chart to his phone so he had it there too 🙄The tick sheet does sound a good idea aswell, or else I'll just tell him no steroids and put them on myself!

When dd was 9 months she had horrendous eczema. The Gp prescribed betnovate and referred to dermatology. He wrote on the referral that we’d used betnovate for 2 weeks and were reluctant to use it for longer.
The dermatologist asked why I was reluctant. I explained the reluctance came from the GP, not me, and that I’d actually kept using it whilst waiting for an appointment because it seemed better than the alternative of letting my dd suffer. He said that I’d made exactly the right choice, and should use it as often as needed: warnings about prolonged use really refer to years of use rather than a month or 2 for flare ups. He advised a stronger cream if things didn’t resolve within a month with betnovate, but not to be afraid to apply when needed.