For many people managing chronic skin conditions like eczema, topical steroids have long been the go-to treatment for reducing flare-ups.
But what happens when the treatment begins causing more harm than good? This is the reality of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), a difficult, often misunderstood journey marked by intense discomfort, sensitive skin, and a long healing process.
If you’re navigating TSW, you know it can feel overwhelming. The redness, burning, flaking, and swelling that come with withdrawal can leave you searching for safe, non-irritating ways to support your skin.
That’s where hypochlorous acid (HOCl) comes in. It’s a gentle companion that can help soothe and protect skin in recovery.
Here, we’ll explore what TSW is, why healing takes time, and how HOCl can offer comfort and calm during this complex process.
What Is Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW)?
Topical Steroid Withdrawal, also known as Red Skin Syndrome, is a condition that can occur when someone stops using topical corticosteroids after long-term or frequent use.
These medications are often prescribed to manage inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, but over time, the skin can become dependent on them. Over-reliance on steroids thins the skin and disrupts its natural barrier.
When steroid use is reduced or discontinued, the skin may react strongly, leading to withdrawal symptoms that are often worse than the condition the topical steroid was being used to treat.
TSW is not yet widely recognized in all medical communities, and it can be frustrating to seek answers or validation.
The healing process can take months, or even years, for some people. During this time, it’s essential to care for your skin as gently and consistently as possible.
The Challenging Symptoms of TSW
Topical Steroid Withdrawal can affect far more than just the surface of the skin. While symptoms vary from person to person, for most people it’s more than just a rash. In reality, it’s a complex systemic response to the withdrawal of a powerful medication.
It’s common to experience a range of physical and emotional challenges that can make day-to-day life feel overwhelming.
The typical physical symptoms include:
-
Intense redness
-
Burning or stinging sensations
-
Severe itching
-
Flaking, shedding, or peeling skin
-
Oozing or weeping
-
Swelling and rawness
In many cases, people also report challenges with sleeping due to discomfort and irritation and heightened emotional distress. This often includes anxiety, depression, or a sense of isolation, often brought on by the physical symptoms and the long, unpredictable healing timeline.
We recognize how debilitating TSW can be, and why it’s so important to find non-irritating options that provide comfort, calm, and support, especially when your skin feels like it can’t tolerate anything at all.
The Gentle Power of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl): A Natural Ally for Sensitive Skin
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a substance your body naturally produces as part of its immune response. It helps defend against harmful bacteria, supports the skin barrier, and encourages a calm, balanced environment for healing.
HOCl Is Ideal for TSW Skin Relief
Unlike harsh antiseptics or steroid creams, HOCl is incredibly gentle. Research has shown that HOCl:
-
Acts as a gentle skin cleanser, removing germs, debris and microbes without stripping or irritating fragile barriers.
-
Helps reduce redness, inflammation, and itching, perfect for red skin syndrome without exacerbating symptoms.
-
Is non-toxic to skin cells, including keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which are essential for skin healing.
-
Supports the skin’s natural repair process.
-
Has antimicrobial properties that help reduce the risk of infection without irritating the skin.
Because of these qualities, HOCl is being studied as a helpful tool for inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, otherwise known as eczema. And increasingly, it’s being used to support those experiencing TSW.
Unlike traditional cleansers that sting or dry out skin, HOCl mimics the body's natural processes, making HOCl for TSW a supportive, chemical-free companion.
A Gentle Approach to Using HOCl for TSW
When your skin is going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal, less is often more. Consistency and simplicity are key, but so is caution.
Because TSW skin is already fragile and reactive, it’s always best to consult your dermatologist or healthcare provider before starting anything new.
While hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is known for being gentle and well-tolerated by sensitive skin, it’s still important to take a slow and mindful approach. We recommend doing a patch test first, applying to a small area to observe how your skin reacts over 24–48 hours.
Here’s a gentle, supportive way to introduce HOCl into your TSW care routine:
Step 1: Prepare Gently
Avoid hot water, harsh cleansers, or scrubbing. Instead, keep the skin cool and calm. Pat dry after bathing using a soft, clean cloth.
Step 2: Apply as a Gentle Skin Cleanser
Shake the HOCl bottle and lightly mist over the affected areas. Let it absorb naturally, there’s no need to rub, rinse, or dry.
Step 3: Soothe and Protect
Use the spray 2 to 4 times daily or as needed for TSW skin relief, especially after bathing. During flare-ups, HOCl can help reduce surface bacteria and maintain a healthy skin environment, lowering the risk of secondary infection.
Step 4: Monitor and Adjust
Everyone’s skin responds differently during TSW. Track any changes and adjust your routine as needed. If your skin tolerates it, you can follow up with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. And most importantly, listen to your body and rest when you can.
HOCl won’t speed up TSW recovery, but it can offer small moments of relief and help create conditions where healing can happen more comfortably.
Why Gentle Skin Support Matters During TSW
Many people with TSW find that their skin cannot tolerate products with fragrances, preservatives, alcohol, or active ingredients, even ones that are typically considered “safe” for sensitive skin.
That’s why choosing ultra-gentle, minimalist skin care is key. The goal during TSW is not to “treat” the skin aggressively, but to support its natural healing process with non-disruptive, soothing care.
e11ement’s hypochlorous acid spray offers a meaningful difference.
Consider e11ement for Natural Skin Soothing
Topical Steroid Withdrawal is challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone, or empty-handed.
Whether you're just beginning your journey or deep in the process, e11ement’s HOCl spray can be a gentle, reliable companion to help soothe your skin without overwhelming it.
Made with only two ingredients, water and salt, e11ement’s formula is cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and free from anything that might further disrupt your skin’s delicate balance.
Because sometimes, the kindest thing you can do for your skin is keep it simple.
But remember, there is no quick fix for TSW. Recovery is a deeply individual process, and some days will feel harder than others. Using a product like HOCl spray won’t make symptoms disappear overnight, but it can help your skin stay clean, calm, and supported as it moves through the stages of healing.
Even when progress feels slow, know that your body is doing the hard work of repairing itself. Gentle care can help you feel more in control, more comfortable, and more connected to your healing.
Explore the gentle power of e11ement HOCl spray.
