If you're on the skin-care side of TikTok, you may have about topical steroid withdrawal, or TSW, come across your FYP. TSW is a rare side effect that occurs when someone stops using topical steroids after prolonged use. Many people who experience the reaction describe some pretty serious symptoms.

The condition can show up as stinging, burning, flaking, peeling, redness, wrinkling, dry, and cracked skin. , board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty, of a woman who showed how topical steroid withdrawal completely changed her life.

Dr. Bowe further explained that it can take you to a pretty dark place, and may also result in , insomnia, and severe depression. But what exactly is topical steroid withdrawal? Ahead, a dermatologist explains more about the reaction, what causes it, treatment options, and how to avoid it.

, MD, is a dermatologist based in Westchester, NY. Topical steroid creams are short for topical corticosteroids. They play a pretty large role in treating many dermatologic conditions.

Dermatologist Kseniya Kobets says they are "topical creams applied externally to skin or scalp that can have calming and anti-inflammatory effects in skin conditions like , , and/or autoimmune disorders." They're and made to mimic the effects of naturally produced hormones in the body and for inflammatory presentations of dermatologic conditions. The cream is applied to the region affected by a skin condition that will benefit from it, hydrating the skin an.