Corticophobia Or Fear Of Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, taken correctly, with an adequate dose and a limited time, should not have side effects. But many are afraid of it. Find out more about corticophobia.

Corticophobia refers to the fear of corticosteroids. These are drugs that help regulate the response of our immune system and decrease inflammatory processes.

The most commonly used corticosteroids are prednisone, cortisone and hydrocortisone. In fact, they are currently useful for treating many diseases. For example, inflammatory pathologies such as arthritis or asthma.

They are also used in the case of autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks our own tissues. One of these pathologies is lupus. Likewise, corticosteroids are necessary in the treatment of insufficiency of the adrenal glands.

Moreover, although they have become a fundamental pillar of current medicine, they are not free from side effects. In this article, we tell you why this fear of corticosteroids appears and how to deal with it.

Where does corticophobia come from?

As we mentioned, corticosteroids are widely used in medicine today. These are drugs that mimic the effect of hormones produced by our adrenal glands physiologically.

They can be applied to the skin, orally, through an injection or even nasal sprays. The form of administration is chosen according to the pathology to be treated. On the other hand, each of these forms presents a set of side effects.

Indeed, the fear of corticosteroids stems from the number of their side effects. Nowadays,  a negative view of these drugs is widespread. However, this perspective makes it difficult to properly assess the benefit / risk balance.

In order to understand corticophobia, it is necessary to know the most common side effects. However,  it should also be understood that, most of the time, if they are prescribed it is to significantly improve the pathology. So here are some of the more common side effects :

• Weight gain,  usually from the retention of fluids they cause.
• Mood swings.
• Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Increased concentration of glucose in the blood. This is an essential adverse effect to be taken into account in people with diabetes.
• Increased risk of suffering from certain infections.
• Skin changes.

Finally, it is important to know that not  all people who take corticosteroids have these adverse reactions. It all depends on the dose, the duration of treatment and the route of administration. Most of the effects mentioned above only occur when taken by mouth.

Atopic dermatitis and the fear of corticosteroids

The fear of corticosteroids is more acute with regard to certain pathologies. For example,  many parents currently refuse to use them to treat atopic dermatitis in their children.

Indeed, atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that mainly affects children. It causes constant redness and itching. Corticosteroid creams are often used to treat it. However, it is unlikely that, if treatment recommendations are followed, complications will arise.

Despite this, parents are increasingly reluctant to apply them to their child. We tend to think that the side effects of oral corticosteroids are the same as those that apply to the skin.

Corticophobia also results from a lack of trust in doctors. It should be borne in mind that,  if properly applied and in accordance with the prescriptions, there is no reason for them to trigger any harmful effects. At least in the case of atopic dermatitis, they are rare.

Corticophobia: conclusion

The fear of corticosteroids arises, mainly, from a lack of knowledge and confidence. It should be borne in mind, however, that doctors weigh both the benefits and the risks when prescribing a drug.

Therefore, it is best not to let negative beliefs take hold of us. While it is certain that corticosteroids – especially those taken by mouth and for a long time – can cause side effects, this is not always the case.