STEROIDS AND YOUR BABY

Welcome to the maiden edition of our weekly tips on health and pharmaceutical issues.

In this weeks edition, we are looking at Steroids and how it affects our baby's health. We will also look at dangers in abusing these topical steroids and suitable natural alternatives that are more beneficial to the baby.

Some mothers get to the pharmacy and buy over-the-counter steroidal creams to apply on their baby's skin either to treat an allergic reaction which could be in form of rash or a skin infection which could be bacterial or fungal.These creams are applied directly to their baby's skin or mixed with their cream based on a friend's recommendation.Steroidal creams should be used only on prescription and most times should not be used for more than a week.

SIDE EFFECT OF TOPICAL STEROIDS
Repeated use of topical steroids in the same area can cause thinning of the outer skin.The skin becomes lax and wrinkled.Affected areas can be depressed below the level of normal skin with visible discolouration and prominence of underlying veins.In most cases the depression is reversible once topical steroid use is stopped,but it may take months for the skin to" thicken" back up.

Shea butter(commonly known as ori) and aloe vera gel are good for treating skin rash,dry skin,itchy skin and it also makes the skin smooth and shiny.