Hydrocortisone

Hi.

I have had mixed messages about using hydrocortisone on the face as a long term treatment. I have two small patches of rosacea on my cheeks. The only thing that seems to work is using cortisone. I've heard from doctors that it's too weak to thinning the skin out, even over many many years; some doctors, however, say never use it on your face. If I use it once a day for the next fifty years, would I have a problem? I've also heard skin that's thinned can heal/reverse. Is that true? If so, how long does it take to heal?

Thanks,

Dan.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is inadvisable to use steroid creams for long on the skin because it can cause atrophy skin, skin thinning and steroid induced rosacea as well. In rosacea, the basic process seems to involve dilation of the small blood vessels of the face. It can be due to genetic causes, hormonal problems, the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (that is associated with stomach ulcers), gastrointestinal disease, and medications that cause blood vessels to widen.

Treatment options vary from antibiotic creams, antihistaminics, sun screens to laser treatment. A dermatologist’s evaluation will be the best.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.