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Health Care Utilization in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis Experiencing Topical Steroid Withdrawal: Observational
Alexander Shayesteh1, Maja Af Klinteberg1, Sophie Vrang2
1Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Dermatology and Venereology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
JMIR Formative Research
|December 31, 2025
Summary
Patients with topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) report insufficient healthcare support for their symptoms. They seek information and care for TSW primarily from social media, not medical professionals.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Public Health
- Investigates patient-reported outcomes and healthcare utilization for a controversial condition.
Background:
- Topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) is a poorly evidenced but socially prominent condition.
- Limited prior research exists on healthcare use for TSW symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine healthcare utilization, requests, and information sources for TSW among patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).
- To understand patient-provider interactions concerning TSW.
Main Methods:
- Observational, cross-sectional study utilizing an online questionnaire.
- Targeted adults with AD experiencing TSW symptoms via a Swedish Facebook group.
- Employed descriptive statistics and text analysis for open-ended responses.
Main Results:
- Participants frequently contacted dermatologists, GPs, and CAM practitioners initially for TSW.
- Ongoing TSW symptom management showed low engagement with healthcare providers (10-22%).
- Social media platforms (Facebook, websites, Instagram) were primary information sources for TSW.
Conclusions:
- Patients with TSW experience inadequate support from healthcare providers.
- Individuals with TSW actively seek information and support outside conventional healthcare channels.
- Educational interventions for GPs and dermatologists, and increased provider engagement on social media, are recommended.
