If you’ve ever experienced Eczema, Psoriasis or Dermatitis, there's a good chance you've been prescribed topical steroids from your Doctor or Dermatologist before. You also probably found relief, however short-term that may have been, only to then experience an intense rebound of your original symptoms (but worse). You're not alone.

Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is something more and more people are facing worldwide, often without knowing what it is or how to get support and relief. Let's chat and talk through what is happening to your skin and why, what you can do to support it and how MooGoo might be able to help in a gentle, natural way.

What Is TSW?

TSW is the acronym for Topical Steroid Withdrawal, a condition that occurs when a person has used corticosteroid creams (steroids) for a period of time and then stops. These creams are typically prescribed for Eczema, Psoriasis and Dermatitis, but over time, the skin can easily and quickly become dependent on them.

At first, there's a little relief, but then the cycle starts — stronger doses, increased flare-ups, thinning skin, and then TSW. Withdrawal symptoms can start during your steroid treatment or once you stop using the creams. All of a sudden, you're stuck in a frustrating, painful, debilitating and disheartening journey that may be worse than your original condition. 

What Does TSW Look Like?

While it can vary from person to person (our bodies and skin are so unique, common TSW symptoms include:

• Red, burning or hot skin
• Skin peeling, flaking or oozing
• Itching, stinging or nerve pain
• Swelling or hypersensitivity
• Insomnia, fatigue, anxiety or depression 

It’s an incredibly raw and vulnerable experience, both physically and emotionally, especially because it can feel or look worse than the original skin issue that started it all.

What Does TSW Look Like?

Steroid medications work by suppressing inflammation. Over time, if used continuously or too often, the skin can become addicted to the cream, meaning it needs higher doses or stronger steroids to help keep it calm. Once you stop (some can experience this before stopping too), the suppressed inflammation rushes back, with a vengeance. And unlike Eczema or Psoriasis, TSW isn’t a relapse; it’s a rebound reaction to withdrawal.

Unfortunately, TSW isn't a formally recognised medical condition as it's a complex and well-debated topic. While more people are suffering from TSW, the medical community lacks definitive evidence to support distinct diagnostic criteria. Recent studies show that 88.4% of Dermatologists agree that TSW needs urgent study.

So, What Can You Do?

TSW isn’t forever, but sadly, there is no specific timeline. One person could take 6 months to heal completely, and the skin of another could take years. While there's no one-size-fits-all treatment available, many people focus on skin barrier repair, lifestyle changes and reducing potential triggers as much as possible. Here are some tips for managing TSW:

1. Be Gentle With Your Skin (Always)

Now is the time to throw away anything harsh, stripping or artificially fragranced. Use skin-friendly cleansers and moisturizers with natural ingredients that support your skin barrier instead of overloading it. 

Try: Ultra Gentle Cleanser with Ceramides - it's made for hypersensitive, fragile or reactive skin and is 100% soap-free. We use the lowest-irritation cleanser available and Ceramides to reinforce and support the skin barrier while locking in moisture.

It's also Dermatologically Tested, pH balanced to 5.5, free from irritants, is designed to be used on the face and body, and is suitable for all ages and all skin types. 

2. Moisturize Strategically

Some people with TSW take a moisture withdrawal (MW) approach, while others choose to slather it on. MW is a strategy where individuals allow their skin to heal without using any creams or emollients. The effectiveness of MW varies, and some find this method too irritating during the TSW process. Always listen to your skin, see how it reacts to any changes that you make, and do what feels right for you. Because everyone's skin is different, what you see working for someone on TikTok might not work for you.

If you do decide to moisturize, please read the labels and check for the inclusion of petroleum-based ingredients, strong and/or artificial perfumes and synthetic preservatives as you will want to steer clear of these ingredients as they're known irritants for sensitive skin.

Try: Soothing MSM Moisturizer, Skin Milk Udder Cream, Full Cream Moisturizer or Fast Hydrating Lotion - all four moisturizers are designed for skin barrier nourishment without any fluff or nasties. 

• Our Soothing MSM Moisturizer is well-loved for calming, soothing, nourishing and cooling sensitive and troubled skin. We use 10% MSM (organic sulphur), Sweet Almond, Oil, Coconut Oil, Olive Squalane and Allantoin to combat inflammation, irritation and redness to help reduce skin discomfort in a medium-weight moisturizer. 
• Our Skin Milk Udder Cream is our OG cream that started it all. It's perfect for dry, dull and fragile skin because it nourishes and soothes, and provides all-round protection in a simple formula. We use Rice Bran, Sweet Almond and Olive Oil, as well as Milk Protein and Aloe Vera for restoring skin health in a light-medium-weight formula.
• The Full Cream Moisturizer is your perfect pick for targeting super dry, flaky and peel-y skin. Its thick, rich and creamy consistency has the same hydrating base as our Skin Milk Udder Cream, but with added nourishing ingredients like Honey, Olive Squalane and Apple Cider Vinegar to deeply hydrate in a heavier-weight formula.
• The Fast Hydrating Lotion is hypoallergenic and clinically-proven to replenish dry, dull skin in a fast-absorbing lotion formula. Made with Aloe Vera, German Chamomile, Sweet Almond Oil and Olive Squalane to nurture and improve hydration for delicate, damaged and sensitive skin in a super lightweight formula.

3. Avoid Known Triggers

During TSW, your skin can react to everything, so it’s worth keeping a journal and making gentle swaps when you notice something as a trigger. Below are common triggers for hypersensitive skin:

• Hot showers and baths
• Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, rayon, nylon, spandex or rubber
• Handwash, dishwashing or washing machine detergent, fabric softener or hand sanitizers
• Stress
• Spicy or high-histamine foods
• Essential oils and synthetic perfumes

4. Cool Compresses

Cooling compresses can bring relief to hot, inflamed skin or during fiery flares. Keep some soft face cloths (cotton or bamboo) in the freezer or fridge and use as needed to calm the skin.

5. Watch Out for Hidden Steroids

Some over-the-counter creams can still contain mild steroids or ingredients that mimic them. Read labels carefully! The last thing you need is to unknowingly set yourself back.

6. Focus On Barrier Repair

Your skin barrier has taken a hit. Support it with targeted creams that help nourish the skin and reduce symptoms using high-quality, effective, natural ingredients. 

Try: Our Skin Calming Cream is infa-MOOs for soothing red, dry, itchy skin. This moisturizing spot treatment cream is designed to rein in redness, soothe upset skin, relieve irritation and dryness, and help restore healthy skin barrier function to prevent future flare-ups.

Formulated with Sweet Almond Oil, Olive Oil, Squalane and Vitamin E to support skin health, along with skin-calming ingredients like Chamomile, Gotu Kola, Sage and Aloe to help reduce discomfort.

7. Don't Overdo The Showers

You don’t need to be squeaky clean every day; in fact, overdoing it with showers can make TSW symptoms worse. Keep showers short and lukewarm, and skip showering altogether if your skin feels too raw.

8. Keep It Breathable

Loose, natural fabrics like 100% organic cotton and bamboo are your best bet. Try swapping your bedding, sleepwear and daily clothes for these fabrics to reduce any friction, irritation and trapped heat.

9. Support Your Mental Health

TSW isn’t just skin deep; it can take a real toll on your confidence, mental health and overall wellbeing. Be gentle with yourself. This journey can feel incredibly isolating, but please remember: you are not alone. There are many TSW communities and support groups online. Connecting with others who are going through it, or who’ve made it through the worst, can offer comfort, guidance and a sense of solidarity.

If the constant stream of information around TSW ever becomes too much, it’s okay to take a step back. Logging off social media or pausing your research for a while can help protect your mental space. Even if you don’t feel up to facing the world, something as simple as stepping outside for a short walk and some fresh air can make a meaningful difference, too.

10. Trust The Process

Healing from TSW takes time, but the body is incredibly resilient. And don’t forget to celebrate the small wins. On tough days, even things like having a shower or changing clothes can feel monumental, and that’s okay. Progress is progress, no matter the size and every little step forward deserves to be acknowledged.

The MooGoo Difference

We’re not doctors and we don’t pretend to have a magic cure. But we do make products designed for people with real skin problems, using ingredients we’re proud of - not ones we have to hide. If you’re navigating TSW, we’re here with natural alternatives to steroid creams, soothing solutions and a whole lot of empathy. You've got this!

Need Help Choosing Products for TSW?

Reach out to us! We are here to help guide you through your skin journey. We also proudly offer a 100% money-back guarantee, so if your skin doesn't love what you bought, we'll provide a full refund.