HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H.C.R. NO. 178 THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 STATE OF HAWAII HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing February 3 as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H.C.R. NO. 178
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.C.R. NO.
178
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII
HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
recognizing February 3 as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day.
WHEREAS, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome, 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 and chronic skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata; and WHEREAS, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome is characterized by skin flushing, inflammation, diffuse spreading rashes, profuse skin flaking, burning, and itching worse than the original condition, which typically appear after the use of topical steroid treatments, between treatments, or after discontinuing the use of topical steroids; and WHEREAS, it can take several months to several years for symptoms to subside, leaving some sufferers of Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome bedridden, housebound, and unable to work, care for children, or attend school; and WHEREAS, a prolonged withdrawal and recovery period can take a significant toll on patients' mental health as well as physical health; and WHEREAS, eighty-one percent of adults and fifty-six percent of children who experience Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome report feeling anxious or depressed, and forty-seven percent of adults and eleven percent of children who experience Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome report suicidal ideation; and WHEREAS, the prevalence of topical steroid addiction and Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome are unknown due to a scarcity of published research, and the paucity of research on Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome impedes efforts to define diagnostic criteria for this condition; understand its causes, mechanics, and effects; develop appropriate treatment protocols; and educate providers and patients about Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome and proper steroid stewardship; and WHEREAS, a lack of awareness of and education about Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome can lead to misunderstanding and friction between patients and providers, causing patients to question their providers' medical oversight and providers to suspect their patients of medication non-compliance and, occasionally, parental neglect; and WHEREAS, all parties would benefit greatly from increased awareness of and prevention education on the signs of topical steroid dependence and the risks of Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the Senate concurring, that February 3 is recognized as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor. OFFERED BY: _____________________________
WHEREAS, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome, 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 and chronic skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata; and
WHEREAS, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome is characterized by skin flushing, inflammation, diffuse spreading rashes, profuse skin flaking, burning, and itching worse than the original condition, which typically appear after the use of topical steroid treatments, between treatments, or after discontinuing the use of topical steroids; and
WHEREAS, it can take several months to several years for symptoms to subside, leaving some sufferers of Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome bedridden, housebound, and unable to work, care for children, or attend school; and
WHEREAS, a prolonged withdrawal and recovery period can take a significant toll on patients' mental health as well as physical health; and
WHEREAS, eighty-one percent of adults and fifty-six percent of children who experience Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome report feeling anxious or depressed, and forty-seven percent of adults and eleven percent of children who experience Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome report suicidal ideation; and
WHEREAS, the prevalence of topical steroid addiction and Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome are unknown due to a scarcity of published research, and the paucity of research on Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome impedes efforts to define diagnostic criteria for this condition; understand its causes, mechanics, and effects; develop appropriate treatment protocols; and educate providers and patients about Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome and proper steroid stewardship; and
WHEREAS, a lack of awareness of and education about Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome can lead to misunderstanding and friction between patients and providers, causing patients to question their providers' medical oversight and providers to suspect their patients of medication non-compliance and, occasionally, parental neglect; and
WHEREAS, all parties would benefit greatly from increased awareness of and prevention education on the signs of topical steroid dependence and the risks of Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the Senate concurring, that February 3 is recognized as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor.
OFFERED BY: _____________________________
OFFERED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title: Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day; February 3
Report Title:
Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day; February 3