SR0377 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0377 LRB104 14379 MST 27515 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Topical steroid withdrawal syndrome (TSWS), also known as topical steroid addiction or red skin syndrome, is a severe, debilitating condition that can arise from intentional or unintentional exposure to topical steroids; and

WHEREAS, Topical steroids are widely prescribed and purchased over the counter to treat acute as well as chronic skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata; and

WHEREAS, TSWS is characterized by skin flushing, inflammation, diffuse spreading rashes, profuse skin flaking, burning, and itching worse than the original condition that typically appear after use of topical steroid treatments, between treatments, or after discontinuing topical steroids; and

WHEREAS, It can take several months to several years for symptoms to subside, leaving some TSWS sufferers bedridden and housebound and unable to work, to care for children, or to go to school; and

WHEREAS, A prolonged withdrawal and recovery period can take a significant toll on patients' mental health as well as their physical health; 81% of adults and 56% of children experiencing TSWS report feeling anxious and/or depressed, and 47% of adults and 11% of children experiencing TSWS report suicidal ideation; and

WHEREAS, The prevalence of topical steroid addiction is unknown due to a scarcity of published research; and

WHEREAS, The scarcity of research on TSWS impedes efforts to define diagnostic criteria for TSWS, understand its causes, mechanics, and effects, develop appropriate treatment protocols, and educate providers and patients about TSWS and steroid stewardship; and

WHEREAS, Lack of awareness of and education about TSWS among patients and providers can lead to friction between them, causing patients to question their providers' medical oversight and causing providers to suspect their patients of medication non-compliance and, occasionally, parental neglect; and

WHEREAS, All parties would benefit greatly from awareness and prevention education on the signs of topical steroid dependence and the risks of TSWS; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare February 3, 2026 as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of Illinois.