Topical Steroid Withdrawal: A Gentle Guide

A Gentle Heads-Up: What to Expect If You've Used Prescription Creams Before 💚

If you've previously used cortisone or other prescription-based creams to manage your skin, we want to prepare you with some kind and honest insight before starting Repcillin.

You may experience what's called Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) — a very common process where the skin flares up worse than before after stopping cortisone. This can happen even when switching to something natural and gentle, like Repcillin.

Why Does This Happen?

Cortisone works by suppressing inflammation. Over time, the skin becomes dependent on it to stay calm. When you stop, your skin can go into a bit of a panic, resulting in redness, dryness, itching, or burning. This is known as TSW. And the longer cortisone has been used, the longer this reaction may last.

Important to Know:

  • This is not a reaction to Repcillin.
  • It's a normal, temporary withdrawal process.
  • It can last from a few days to a few months, depending on your skin's history.
  • If you return to cortisone for quick relief, the cycle restarts.

🌿 Repcillin does not suppress symptoms — instead, it helps rebuild your skin barrier and support natural healing over time. This journey may not be instant, but it's worth it.

🌿 Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW): What It Can Look Like

If you've used cortisone creams or prescription steroid ointments in the past, stopping them can trigger a range of symptoms known as Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW).

Here are some of the most common symptoms people experience:

🔴 🔥 Redness / Burning Sensation

The skin may feel hot, appear red, and feel like it's burning — especially on the face or body where cortisone was applied most often.

💧 Extreme Dryness & Flaking

Skin may become very dry and begin flaking or peeling. This is part of the skin detoxing and rebuilding its barrier.

🦠 Itchiness & Inflammation

Often worse than before, the itching can feel uncontrollable — this is a hallmark of withdrawal, not a product reaction.

🫣 Weeping or Oozing Skin

Some people experience fluid seeping from the skin as it detoxes. It can look like the skin is "leaking" or forming clear crusts.

🥵 Swelling & Puffiness

Especially around the eyes or lips, puffiness may appear suddenly and then come and go in cycles.

🕰️ Rebound Flares (Cyclic)

You may go through flare-ups that come and go over time, which can be disheartening. But this is normal during healing.

💤 Fatigue or Mood Changes

The stress on the body during withdrawal can also cause fatigue, anxiety, or irritability — it's not just skin-deep.

🧬 Delayed Recovery (Especially for Long-Term Cortisone Use)

The longer you've used cortisone, the longer withdrawal symptoms may last. Some people recover in weeks, others in months. But healing is possible. 💚

We're always here to guide you.

If you're unsure whether you're going through TSW, or you need support with a flare-up, just reach out — we walk this path with you. We also recommend that you Google “Topical Steroid Withdrawal” for more stories, research, and support communities.

You're not alone. 💛

Warmly,
The Repcillin Team