Does Steroid Treatment Weaken The Immune System Of A Child?

Posted on Wed, 7 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 7 May 2014 Answered on

Sat, 24 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My child was on desonide. She hadn't used it in over a week when this incident happened. A neighbor had touched a cookie to give it to my daughter. I know that steroid cream can weaken the immune system. Since she ate the cookie my neighbor touched, is their any sickness that she is likely to catch from this from the germs, or is this highly unlikely?

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Steroid Cream

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for you question. Steroid creams in general are very low dose. Steroid cream spread on someone's hands is not potent enough to cause any issue. You have nothing to worry about.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Eric Goldstein (35 minutes later)

My question was misunderstood. My neighbor touched a cookie that my child ate. I am wondering should I worry about my child getting sick from germs that been on my neighbor's hand, or is it unlikely. The question was not about steroid creams on the hand. I am just wondering if steroid creams significantly reduce the immune system to where you're more likely to get sick from a handshake or someone touching your food, or is it still unlikely to get sick from such a small encounter?

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for clarifying. This is a different question. Fortunately, the answer is not that much different. The sterioid contents in the cream ate very low dose and not substantial enough to weaken the immune system. Though I would be careful with any food I receive form anyone, there is no cause to be more concerned just for being on a steroid cream.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Eric Goldstein (3 hours later)

Thanks. I don't let her eat food from anyone, this was a one time unexpected event.

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
folliw up

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome.

I guess that addressed your concern. Please close the discussion if you have no more questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad