Dr. Jo Robson and colleagues at UWE Bristol conducted a study on the impact of appearance and weight changes caused by long-term steroid use, analyzing interviews with 60 patients with various rheumatic conditions.
A fresh review of the interviews highlighted three key issues:
- Social pressures and negative comments related to changes in weight, skin, and hair
- Negative effects on mental health and identity
- Lifestyle adjustments, often with financial implications.
Unexpectedly, some participants reported hair thinning, an area requiring more research. The study emphasized the need for better patient support and information when starting steroids, and developed guidance for healthcare professionals to improve communication.
There is more detail in a two-page PDF produced by the team.