Corticosteroids mimic hormones made by your body. They’re anti-inflammatory and help manage conditions caused by an overactive immune system. That includes eczema (atopic dermatitis) and allergic rhinitis caused by hay fever and other allergies – for instance to house dust mites. Corticosteroids are also an important part of managing advanced respiratory illnesses. Using corticosteroids to boost your natural hormone levels can help to ease these symptoms.

Confusingly, corticosteroids are referred to by several names; glucocorticosteroids, glucocorticoids and even just steroids. They also come in different forms and strengths. The local pharmacy can usually sell you the mildest versions over the counter. Otherwise you’ll need to visit your health care provider and get a prescription. Speak to your health care provider or pharmacist before taking corticosteroids.

Strong corticosteroids are not usually given to young children. Otherwise, steroids are an important part of the treatment for allergic rhinitis and eczema in childhood. Of course there can be side effects, which we’ll talk about next. But if you follow your health care provider’s prescription, and your child’s condition and response is monitored, these medicines can be taken by children. Don’t use corticosteroids for your child without your health care provider’s guidance.

Systemic means they impact on the whole body. Topical formulations like nasal sprays, inhalers and creams tend to be prescribed before pills or injections because the intended effects are mostly concentrated at one site. So the chances of systemic side effects are much lower. Corticosteroids are usually recommended for use at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

Local side effects of corticosteroid nasal sprays can include:

• Nasal irritation such as stinging, dryness, itchiness and swelling
• Dry throat
• Nasty taste in your mouth
• Nosebleeds because corticosteroids can thin the skin

Local side effects of corticosteroid inhalers can include:

• Sore mouth or throat
• Croaky voice
• Cough
• Oral thrush
• Nosebleeds because corticosteroids can thin the skin

Local side effects of corticosteroid creams can include:

• A stinging and burning sensation as you rub the cream in (usually stops once you’ve been using the medication for a while)
• Less common: changes in skin color and other reactions like acne or reddening (rosacea)

Corticosteroid nasal sprays, inhalers and topical creams usually cause no significant side effects if used correctly.

Here, we list some of the side effects you could experience. Consult the information leaflet for your medication for specific details.

Local side effects of corticosteroid nasal sprays can include:

• Nasal irritation such as stinging, dryness, itchiness and swelling
• Dry throat
• Nasty taste in your mouth
• Nosebleeds because corticosteroids can thin the skin

Local side effects of corticosteroid inhalers can include:

• Sore mouth or throat
• Croaky voice
• Cough
• Oral thrush
• Nosebleeds because corticosteroids can thin the skin

Local side effects of corticosteroid creams can include:

• A stinging and burning sensation as you rub the cream in (usually stops once you’ve been using the medication for a while)
• Less common: changes in skin color and other reactions like acne or reddening (rosacea)

All corticosteroids can have side effects across your whole body. This goes not only for pills and injections, but also for nasal sprays, inhalers and creams even though they might only be applied to one small area. The chance of systemic side effects goes up with these topical corticosteroids if you use them at a high dose for a long time. Luckily, this is much less common than with tablets.

Always consult the information leaflet for the medication you’re taking for specific side effects.

Systemic side effects of corticosteroids from long-term treatment can include:

• Increased appetite
• Acne
• Thinned skin that bruises easily
• Increased risks of infections
• Mood changes, mood swings and depression
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis)
• Growth problems in children
• Withdrawal symptoms caused by suppression of the adrenal glands

Your health care provider will usually monitor you closely if you, for example, use a corticosteroid inhaler daily. Always talk to them about how to take your medication and don’t stop taking it before your health care provider says it’s safe to do so.

As you can see, corticosteroids play a big part in controlling allergy symptoms. But they have a wider use too. Oral corticosteroids are prescribed to manage medical conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. If not a miracle cure, they are certainly a way of improving the lives of a huge number of people.

Corticosteroids as well as other allergy relief meds and control measures may not be able to keep your allergy symptoms in check. If so, your health care provider might discuss allergy immunotherapy with you.

Immunotherapy goes straight to the cause of your allergies. The idea is to desensitize your immune system through very small doses of an allergen given as shots or tablets. Your body gradually learns not to go on high alert each time you encounter the substance in real life. Immunotherapy can help reduce your symptoms and the need for medication to relieve them.

Corticosteroids as well as other allergy relief meds and control measures may not be able to keep your allergy symptoms in check. If so, your health care provider might discuss allergy immunotherapy with you.

Immunotherapy goes straight to the cause of your allergies. The idea is to desensitize your immune system through very small doses of an allergen given as shots or tablets. Your body gradually learns not to go on high alert each time you encounter the substance in real life. Immunotherapy can help reduce your symptoms and the need for medication to relieve them.