topical steroids

[Cotton King]

Is it possible to become 'resistant' or 'immune' to topical steroids eg hydrocortisone used for eczema? As in will their effectiveness decrease with usage?

[Revenged]

you won't become 'immune' to cortisol as it is naturally produced in the body... and i'm unsure of how effective they are supposed to be... they never worked for me...

[Dr.Stein]

I am not sure but it might be Langerhans cells digest them before it takes effect

[canalon]

I am not sure but it might be Langerhans cells digest them before it takes effect

Topical means applied on the skin DrStein They are not likely to be digested. As for an attenuation of the effects of such creams over time, I have no idea if it is likely or how it would work. sorry.

[Dr.Stein]

Grrr I know that
What I was going to say is that Langerhans cells that locate in subcutaneous tissue will encounter the cortisol and perform phagocytosis (=intracellular digestion) towards it before it diffuses into any cappilaries

This also provides explanation for people who suffer inflammation and also allergy after applying such cream. It's because the barrier immune system (Langerhans cells) works to attack the cream.

I hope this makes sense

[crashxxbrn]

Hydrocortisone is pretty weak compared to other steroids, like prednisone and dexamethasone (for comparison's sake, hydrocortisone is about a fourth of the strength of prednisone, and dexamethasone is around 50x as potent). There are also topical immunomodulators (Protopic and Elidel) out there for eczema; definitely worth looking into if this question is about yourself.

But no, you don't become immune to it. The skin inflammation can become so severe that hydrocortisone becomes ineffective, though.