Life Topical steroid withdrawal is controversial. Patients say it’s real and feels ‘like I’m on fire.’ August 2, 2023August 2, 2023 David Oliver, USA TODAY Comments Off on Topical steroid withdrawal is controversial. Patients say it’s real and feels ‘like I’m on fire.’ Dermatologists recommend the importance of strictly adhering to proper steroid use, but recognize the horror some patients suffer when they don't.