A Melbourne mother, Nikki Estrada, believes her six-month-old daughter is suffering from topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) after being treated for eczema with prescribed creams.
Estrada initially took her daughter, Xenrea, to the hospital at four months old due to dehydration from low milk supply.
While at the hospital, doctors noticed a red patch on Xenrea’s cheek and prescribed antibiotics, a 14-day course of topical steroids, and bleach baths as a precaution.
Estrada said she initially trusted the doctors despite having doubts, and the treatment seemed to work at first as the rash disappeared.
However, just two days after stopping the steroid cream, Xenrea’s condition worsened, with her skin becoming cracked, weeping, and bleeding.
“She doesn’t sleep, and I can’t sleep because I have to hold her so she doesn’t scratch,” Estrada said, describing her daughter’s severe discomfort.
After visiting a GP and a paediatrician, both advised continuing the steroid treatment, but Estrada began researching TSW and found similar cases online.
TSW is marked by red, burning, itchy, and oozing skin and can occur after discontinuing prolonged or high-potency steroid use.
Estrada observed that although steroids were applied only to her daughter’s face, the symptoms appeared all over her body—matching other parents’ experiences.
She has since turned to a naturopath and reports gradual improvement using natural creams and supplements to support her baby’s gut health.
“It’s heartbreaking seeing my daughter in so much pain, and she’s only six months old,” Estrada said.
Dermatologist Professor Deshan Sebaratnam noted that side effects from topical steroids are extremely rare when used properly.
He explained that eczema flare-ups after stopping treatment can be mistaken for withdrawal, but are often just the return of the underlying condition.
Sebaratnam emphasized the risks of untreated eczema, including pain, infection, and emotional strain on the whole family.
