Allergy & Asthma Network Joins ITSAN in Marking a Major Milestone: CDC Approves ICD-10 Code for Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome
Published: June 25, 2026
FAIRFAX, VA, JUNE 23, 2026 – Following the successful advocacy efforts led by the International Topical Steroid Awareness Network (ITSAN), with the support of Allergy & Asthma Network, CEO Lynda Mitchell issued the following statement celebrating the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for approving an official ICD-10 code for Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSWS), effective April 1, 2027.
“The Allergy & Asthma Network is pleased that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially approved specific diagnostic code for Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSWS). Having an official ICD-10 code changes the landscape for patients and healthcare providers alike, marking a substantial victory for individuals living with TSWS related to the long-term cumulative effect of topical steroid use in the treatment of eczema.
TSWS is a prolonged, severe rebound reaction characterized by burning, flushing, swelling, and profuse skin shedding that can occur when a patient discontinues topical corticosteroids (TCS).
A recent landmark patient survey conducted by the Allergy & Asthma Network and the International Topical Steroid Awareness Network (ITSAN) highlighted the urgent need for medical validation. The study found that many eczema patients utilize both over the counter and prescription steroids daily for decades, often applying strong potencies to more than 20% of their bodies. This severe, cumulative exposure frequently leads to debilitating physical symptoms, along with profound mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, when the medication stops working, and TSWS manifests.
This new designation formally recognizes TSWS as a distinct medical entity rather than an exacerbation of a patient’s existing eczema, helping to prevent providers from inadvertently prescribing more of the very steroids causing the withdrawal. Furthermore, standardizing these billing codes ensures the accurate medical documentation required for patients to secure insurance coverage for treatments, take medical leave, or access additional support.
Finally, these specific codes allow researchers to track true incidence and prevalence rates across demographics, moving away from generic umbrella codes to build the foundation needed to understand the condition and develop targeted treatments. Ultimately, this milestone highlights TSWS as a known complication of prolonged steroid use, which will guide safer prescribing practices and promote more judicious use of topical corticosteroids among medical professionals.”
About Allergy & Asthma Network
Founded in 1985, Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading nonprofit outreach, education, advocacy and research organization for people living with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Our mission is simple yet profound: to advance patient-centered research and advocate for better outcomes, access to care, education, and treatments that lead to improved health and quality of life. We specialize in making medically accurate information understandable to all, promote evidence-based care, and foster collaboration among patients, clinicians, researchers, advocates and policymakers. Learn more at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.
