Steroids are medicines with very strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Steroids are helpful for many conditions, such as asthma and arthritis.
They come in pills, sprays, creams and ointments. The creams and ointments can help some skin conditions, such as eczema and contact dermatitis. Steroids are very effective and lifesaving medicines, but they can cause side effects if they are taken for a long time. These side effects include thin skin, a higher blood sugar level and weakened bones. Because of these side effects, steroids are usually used only for a short time.