New York J 1485: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 3, 2026, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Awareness Day in the State of New York

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J01485 Summary:

BILL NOJ01485 

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SAME ASNo Same As

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SPONSORPALUMBO

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COSPNSR

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MLTSPNSR

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Go to top J01485 Actions:

BILL NOJ01485 

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01/21/2026REFERRED TO FINANCE

Go to topJ01485 Committee&nbspVotes:

Go to topJ01485 Floor&nbspVotes:

There are no Assembly votes for this bill in this legislative session.

Go to topJ01485 Text:

Assembly Resolution No. 1517

BY: M. of A. Rules (Rajkumar)

 MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
 February 3, 2026, as Topical Steroid Withdrawal
 Awareness Day in the State of New York

 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
diseases that affect the lives of citizens of the State of New York; and

 WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body hereby memorializes
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 3, 2026, as Topical Steroid
Withdrawal Awareness Day, in conjunction with the observance of Global
Topical Steroid Withdrawal Awareness Day; and

 WHEREAS, Both intentional and unintentional exposure to topical
steroids can lead to Topical Steroid Addiction (TSA) and Red Skin
Syndrome (RSS) leaving individuals to heal through Topical Steroid
Withdrawal (TSW)-a painful, prolonged, and debilitating syndrome with a
lengthy recovery process; and

 WHEREAS, Topical steroids are widely prescribed and readily
available over the counter to treat both acute and chronic skin
conditions-including eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia areata, and
various forms of dermatitis-making topical steroids a commonly
relied-upon treatment, often used without full awareness of their
potential long-term risks and side effects; and

 WHEREAS, Topical Steroid Withdrawal is characterized by a
progressive and debilitating range of symptoms-including intense skin
flushing, redness, inflammation, widespread rashes, and itching-that
often escalate in severity and spread beyond the original condition; and

 WHEREAS, Additional symptoms may include hot, burning, weeping,
oozing, crusting, flaking, thickened "elephant" skin; edema; epinephrine
spikes and surges; nerve sensitivity; tremors; difficulty regulating
body temperature; severe insomnia; lymphadenopathy; and hair loss; and

 WHEREAS, TSW symptoms may arise during active use, pauses in use, or
upon discontinuation of topical steroids, and can persist for months or
years-leaving many individuals bedridden, housebound, and unable to
work, care for children, or attend school; and

 WHEREAS, The prolonged withdrawal and recovery process has profound
consequences on both physical and mental health; studies show that 81%
of adults and 56% of children going through TSW report anxiety and/or
depression, while 47% of adults and 11% of children report suicidal
ideation; and

 WHEREAS, The lack of public and medical awareness-combined with the
often prolonged and painful recovery-can lead to significant friction
between patients and healthcare providers; patients may feel dismissed,
misdiagnosed, or neglected, while healthcare providers may wrongly
interpret symptoms as non-compliance and in some pediatric cases, this

misunderstanding resulted in unwarranted accusations of parental
neglect; and

 WHEREAS, The lack of sufficient research, clinical awareness, and
recognition of Topical Steroid Addiction, Red Skin Syndrome, and Topical
Steroid Withdrawal continues to impede accurate diagnosis, effective
treatment, and the development of standardized medical guidelines,
limiting both healthcare provider education and informed prescribing
practices; and

 WHEREAS, Addressing this gap through increased research and
education will promote responsible prescribing, improve diagnostic
accuracy, and enhance patient care, ultimately providing meaningful
support and recognition for those impacted by TSW; and

 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
support initiatives that promote public health and enhance the
well-being of all New Yorkers by encouraging efforts that will improve
awareness of Topical Steroid Withdrawal; now, therefore, be it

 RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 3, 2026, as
Topical Steroid Withdrawal