NIH

NIH researchers define diagnostic criteria for topical steroid withdrawal

March 17, 2025

NIH researchers have established diagnostic criteria for topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), distinguishing it from eczema. The findings were published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. TSW results from prolonged use of topical steroids and subsequent cessation, leading to symptoms similar to eczema. However, unlike eczema, TSW is characterized by elevated levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a form of vitamin B3, in blood serum and skin. To better understand TSW, a team led by scientists from NIAID’s Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology evaluated a previous survey of 1,889 adults with eczema-like symptoms. By dividing participants into those with self-reported TSW and those without, the researchers identified unique TSW characteristics. They then conducted a pilot study with 16 people showing TSW symptoms, 10 with eczema but no TSW symptoms, and 11 without skin disease. Elevated NAD+ levels were found in those with TSW symptoms, while levels were typical in others. These criteria will aid in better diagnosis and treatment of TSW, potentially guiding future clinical trials to explore treatments that lower NAD+ levels.

Source:

(2025, March 14). NIH. Topical steroid withdrawal diagnostic criteria defined by NIH researchers. [News release]. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/topical-steroid-withdrawal-diagnostic-criteria-defined-nih-researchers