--- title: HR 135. Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day at the state capitol; 2/3/25; recognize collection: bills id: 2025-2026/hr135 cite_as: HR 135, 2025-2026 Regular Session (Ga.) canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr135 md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr135.md text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr135/text source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69791 date: 2025-02-03 status: passed corpus_version: bills-2026-09-13 license: Public record of the Georgia General Assembly, via LegiScan; see about.md publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice. up: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026.md previous: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr134.md next: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr136.md index: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/index.md omitted: votes and history omitted_chars: 131 omitted_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr135.md?full=1 bill_number: HR 135 session: 2025-2026 Regular Session session_slug: 2025-2026 chamber: House bill_type: resolution status_date: 2025-02-03 last_action: House Read and Adopted sponsors: - Soo Hong text_version: Introduced has_text: true legiscan_url: https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HR135/2025 upstream_id: 1952941 summaries_model: claude-sonnet-5 topic_tags: - public health awareness - skin conditions - dermatology - mental health - state capitol resolutions --- # HR 135. Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day at the state capitol; 2/3/25; recognize ## Text House Resolution 135 By: Representative Hong of the 103rd A RESOLUTION Recognizing February 3, 2025, as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes. WHEREAS, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSWS), also known as Topical Steroid Addiction or Red Skin Syndrome, is a severe and debilitating condition that can arise from intentional or unintentional exposure to topical steroids; and WHEREAS, topical steroids are widely prescribed and available over the counter to treat both acute and chronic skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata; and WHEREAS, TSWS is characterized by severe symptoms such as skin flushing, inflammation, diffuse spreading rashes, profuse skin flaking, and intense burning and itching that often surpass the severity of the original condition, typically manifesting after the use of topical steroids, between treatments, or upon discontinuation; and WHEREAS, recovery from TSWS can take several months to several years, leaving many sufferers bedridden or housebound and unable to work, care for children, or attend school; and WHEREAS, the prolonged withdrawal and recovery period can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health, with 81 percent of adults and 56 percent of children experiencing TSWS reporting anxiety or depression and 47 percent of adults and 11 percent of children reporting suicidal ideation; and WHEREAS, the prevalence of topical steroid addiction remains unknown due to a scarcity of published research; and WHEREAS, limited research on TSWS hinders the development of diagnostic criteria; the understanding of its causes, effects, and mechanisms; the establishment of appropriate treatment protocols; and the education of both healthcare providers and patients on TSWS and steroid stewardship; and WHEREAS, a lack of awareness and education about TSWS among both patients and providers can lead to misunderstandings, causing patients to question their providers' medical oversight and leading providers to suspect medication non-compliance or, in some cases, parental neglect; and WHEREAS, all parties would benefit greatly from increased awareness and prevention education on the signs of topical steroid dependence and the risks associated with TSWS. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize February 3, 2025, as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day at the state capitol. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press. ## Summaries written by Georgia Commons The following was written by claude-sonnet-5 from the text above and is not part of the resolution. Quote the text, not the summary. A Georgia House resolution recognizes February 3, 2025, as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day at the state capitol, drawing attention to the condition and its effects on patients. ### Plain-language summary This House resolution designates February 3, 2025 as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day at the Georgia state capitol. Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSWS), also called Topical Steroid Addiction or Red Skin Syndrome, is a condition that can develop from using topical steroids, which are common treatments for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata. The resolution describes the syndrome's severe symptoms, its long recovery time, and its mental health toll, citing figures on anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among sufferers. It also notes that limited research on the condition makes diagnosis and treatment harder. The resolution does not create any new law, funding, or program; it directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press. ### What it does - Formally recognizes February 3, 2025 as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day at the Georgia state capitol. - Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press. - Does not create any new state program, funding, regulation, or legal requirement; it is a symbolic statement by the House. ### Who it affects People who experience Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome and their families, dermatology and other healthcare patients who use topical steroids, and healthcare providers who prescribe or discuss these treatments. The resolution itself has no direct legal effect on any group. ### Why it matters While the resolution carries no legal force, it puts official attention on a lesser-known condition tied to common skin treatments. That recognition could help raise public and provider awareness, though the text itself does not fund research, require education, or change medical practice. ### Key provisions - Describes Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome, including symptoms like skin flushing, inflammation, and intense itching or burning. - Cites statistics that 81 percent of adults and 56 percent of children with TSWS report anxiety or depression, and 47 percent of adults and 11 percent of children report suicidal ideation. - Notes that limited published research hinders diagnosis, understanding of causes, treatment protocols, and provider and patient education. - Resolves that the House recognizes February 3, 2025 as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day at the state capitol. - Directs the Clerk of the House to make copies of the resolution available for distribution to the public and press. ## Status - Status: Passed (2025-02-03) - Last action: House Read and Adopted (2025-02-03) - Sponsors: Soo Hong - Official page: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69791 > The history, votes, and amendments (131 characters) are at https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr135.md?full=1