Assembly Resolution No. 1517

BY: M. of A. Rules (Rajkumar)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 3, 2026, as Topical Steroid Withdrawal
Awareness Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
diseases that affect the lives of citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body hereby memorializes
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 3, 2026, as Topical Steroid
Withdrawal Awareness Day, in conjunction with the observance of Global
Topical Steroid Withdrawal Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS, Both intentional and unintentional exposure to topical
steroids can lead to Topical Steroid Addiction (TSA) and Red Skin
Syndrome (RSS) leaving individuals to heal through Topical Steroid
Withdrawal (TSW)-a painful, prolonged, and debilitating syndrome with a
lengthy recovery process; and

WHEREAS, Topical steroids are widely prescribed and readily
available over the counter to treat both acute and chronic skin
conditions-including eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia areata, and
various forms of dermatitis-making topical steroids a commonly
relied-upon treatment, often used without full awareness of their
potential long-term risks and side effects; and

WHEREAS, Topical Steroid Withdrawal is characterized by a
progressive and debilitating range of symptoms-including intense skin
flushing, redness, inflammation, widespread rashes, and itching-that
often escalate in severity and spread beyond the original condition; and

WHEREAS, Additional symptoms may include hot, burning, weeping,
oozing, crusting, flaking, thickened "elephant" skin; edema; epinephrine
spikes and surges; nerve sensitivity; tremors; difficulty regulating
body temperature; severe insomnia; lymphadenopathy; and hair loss; and

WHEREAS, TSW symptoms may arise during active use, pauses in use, or
upon discontinuation of topical steroids, and can persist for months or
years-leaving many individuals bedridden, housebound, and unable to
work, care for children, or attend school; and

WHEREAS, The prolonged withdrawal and recovery process has profound
consequences on both physical and mental health; studies show that 81%
of adults and 56% of children going through TSW report anxiety and/or
depression, while 47% of adults and 11% of children report suicidal
ideation; and

WHEREAS, The lack of public and medical awareness-combined with the
often prolonged and painful recovery-can lead to significant friction
between patients and healthcare providers; patients may feel dismissed,
misdiagnosed, or neglected, while healthcare providers may wrongly
interpret symptoms as non-compliance and in some pediatric cases, this

misunderstanding resulted in unwarranted accusations of parental
neglect; and

WHEREAS, The lack of sufficient research, clinical awareness, and
recognition of Topical Steroid Addiction, Red Skin Syndrome, and Topical
Steroid Withdrawal continues to impede accurate diagnosis, effective
treatment, and the development of standardized medical guidelines,
limiting both healthcare provider education and informed prescribing
practices; and

WHEREAS, Addressing this gap through increased research and
education will promote responsible prescribing, improve diagnostic
accuracy, and enhance patient care, ultimately providing meaningful
support and recognition for those impacted by TSW; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
support initiatives that promote public health and enhance the
well-being of all New Yorkers by encouraging efforts that will improve
awareness of Topical Steroid Withdrawal; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 3, 2026, as
Topical Steroid Withdrawal Awareness Day in the State of New York, to
honor and support those affected, raise public and medical awareness,
and encourage continued research, education, and the responsible use of
topical steroids; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the
International Topical Steroid Awareness Network (ITSAN), as well as
other appropriate public health and medical organizations.