2 Month Facial Rash

[trick_05]

I have had a rash on both of my cheeks for two months now and have not been able to clear it.  My dermatologist had me use otc hydrocortizone for two weeks, .05% desonide for two weeks and a three week course of prednisone and it has not cleared.  When I was taking prednisone and moisturizing liberally it seemed to be getting better but when i worked over the weekend and was only able to to moisturize at night it went back to the same as before.  After finishing my prednisone course i have been moisturizing liberally with no results.  Im looking for a second opinion as to what this is and how i can clear it?  Is it possible that it is caused by something such as milk? i have not changed my diet, shampoo, moisturizer, detergent or anything else that comes into contact with my face. I posted a pic below. Thanks for your help.

http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=irr.jpg

[trick_05]

Is there anything i should be doing to help the healing process other than keeping it moisturized and keeping myself hydrated?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Steroid rosacea is possible.  I suggest stopping all steroids, by cream or by mouth.  Topical antibiotics like metronidazole may help.  If you weren't on Accutane, oral doxycycline might be useful, but you can't take that while taking Accutane (which may itself help if you finish off the course and don't use steroids any more.)  This rash may take some time to heal, but it should in the end go away completely.  Milk and food have nothing to do with it that I can think of.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[trick_05]

Also could me being on Accutane effect healing this rash.  Im in month 4 and have been on 80 MG a day since day 1 so i wouldnt think this would be the cause.