Steroid Induced Rosacea

[poorsparrow]

I am a 20 year old female. For the past 18 months I have frequently used hydrocortisone ointment on my cheeks (mainly the right cheek) to treat atopic dermatitis,as diagnosed by a derm. In the past few months my face has become extremely red & burns intolerably; some nights I can't sleep. Small pimples are visable on the right side. It does not itch. I returned to my derm who said I may have some component of Rosacea, although he was unsure.He prescribed 100mg doxycycline daily + metronizazole cream. There is no family history of Rosacea, &previously I did not have a flushing problem.
Could this be Steroid Rosacea? I know hydrocortisone is generally considered very mild, but my symptoms seem to have coincided with it's use. Is the antibiotic regimen appropriate? and will my symptoms diminish, if so, how soon?

[poorsparrow]

Thank you for your responce. I was wondering if it is normal to continue to experience flareups (burning, redness, heat) periodically even after discontinuing the steroid, until the skin has returned to normal?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Yes, I think you have steroid rosacea, which behave exactly this way--whenever you stop the steroid, the rosacea flares up.  If you stay on the doxycycline and metronidazole--and stay away from the steroids--you should clear up completely.  It should take a total of 4-6 weeks, quite possibly less.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[poorsparrow]

I must add that whenever I tried to stop using the hydrocortisone, my skin would be normal for a day or two before once again becoming red, and burning. Emollients do not help. I have now stopped using the hydrocortisone, and am only using the antibiotic regimen prescribed. The burning and redness I am experiencing is awful.