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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Steroid rosacea
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Steroid rosacea
by anoyomous_Q, Apr 01, 2007 12:00AM
4 years ago i was prescribed a mild hydrocortisone steiod cream to treat a rash on the underside of my penis which worked but was reacurring and so i having used the hydrocortisone for over 3 years on and off to stop flair ups.
It now has occured to me that the rash i was initialy treating has gone and i think i have developed steriod rosacea from this long term use.
I have stopped using the cream.
Symptoms - you can see small capiliries on under the skin and i get flair ups which is just a red/purple inflamed rash which is irratating.
Flair ups are caused by the following which i have noticed:
Stress - the biggest factor
alchohol
sweating/excercise
Picture of the problem!:
http://members.aol.com/xboxbecks/image
I would like to hear if you believe this to be correct and if so what treatments you can recommend, creams etc?? also will they clear it up long term?
It now has occured to me that the rash i was initialy treating has gone and i think i have developed steriod rosacea from this long term use.
I have stopped using the cream.
Symptoms - you can see small capiliries on under the skin and i get flair ups which is just a red/purple inflamed rash which is irratating.
Flair ups are caused by the following which i have noticed:
Stress - the biggest factor
alchohol
sweating/excercise
Picture of the problem!:
http://members.aol.com/xboxbecks/image
I would like to hear if you believe this to be correct and if so what treatments you can recommend, creams etc?? also will they clear it up long term?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Apr 01, 2007 12:00AM
, Apr 01, 2007 12:00AM
Sorry, but I can't access the picture.
You may be right about the steroid's causing the problem, but if so it would be atrophy (skin thinning) rather than rosacea. The best approach to this is to not use steroids, which you've already started doing. It takes a while, but the thinning reverses itself and the sensitivity settles down too. The redness and capillaries may not go away, but who's looking? For the time being, just use non-medicated moisturizing lotions, and show the problem to a doctor when you get a chance.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
You may be right about the steroid's causing the problem, but if so it would be atrophy (skin thinning) rather than rosacea. The best approach to this is to not use steroids, which you've already started doing. It takes a while, but the thinning reverses itself and the sensitivity settles down too. The redness and capillaries may not go away, but who's looking? For the time being, just use non-medicated moisturizing lotions, and show the problem to a doctor when you get a chance.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Good luck,
John
http://savemyhealth.com
I have been using e45 cream for over a year now and just using the hydrocortisone as little as possible. ie only when i have to.
Is there any other creams/ointments you would reccomend? as also after applying e45 mousturiser there is a slight flair up so i feel as though i cant do right for doing wrong!