Possible Rosacea on face?

I am 23 years old and in the Navy and I was getting ready to go on a six month deployment when I started getting a small rash on my left side of my cheek. I have had seborrheic dermatitis in the past and I have a history of styes. I went to the dermatologist about the rash and he recommended using a desonide ointment. He gave me two refills and I left for deployment the next week. So I have been using this desonide ointment for around 5 months and now when I stop using it for a period for as short as two days my face burns and gets very red and bumps start to form. It has also spread to both cheeks now. I went to the doctor on the ship and he recommended using benzoyl peroxide and he gave me doxycycline. Now my dilema is I have heard that using benzoyl peroxide can make Rosacea (if that actually is what I have) worse. So I stopped using the Desonide and my face is now very red and is almost unbearable. I have a month left until I get back to the states, so I am wondering if I should use the Desonide and try to get my face back in control until I get home and get to see a real dermatologist. Also would taking the doxycycline with the desonide ointment help? I am all out of options, your help is much appreciated.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you may have steroid rosacea.  Desonide is a weak steroid but it can keep rosacea coming back as soon as you stop it.  My advice would be to continue the doxycycline.  It would be best to stop the desonide.. The flareup will go away soon.  benzoyl peroxide isn't harmful but it's not that important either if you're on doxycycline.  Then you can see a dermatologist when you get back to the States if the rash is still there.  You will clear up, though, don't worry.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff