Help Someone Please Answer!

[buckeye2010]

What is the best topical(s) for reversing the side effects of cortiosteroid creams? I  know about Retin-A, however the area of skin I need treated is very sensitive skin and I don't think retin-a would do much good there! So what other topicals are there to help improve skin thinning and bad skin reactions to steroid creams? Be specific with products if you can please!

[buckeye2010]

Okay, so what type of vitamin c cream/serum should I use then (MAP, L-ascrobic acid, Ascrobyl Palimate) which one? I understand there are many different forms of vitamin C, some which are more stable and more powerful than others. So what form and what strength of vitamin c is appropriate for very sensitive skin areas such as eyelids or genitals (thin skin)?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is not advisable to use retin A without a doctor’s guidance. For the skin thinning caused by steroid use, there is no topical treatment as such. However you can use topical vitamin C and vitamin E cream under a dermatologist’s supervision. Vitamin C promotes collagen production and in effect your skin will become thicker with regular use. Vitamin C is present in a wide array of lotions, creams and serums.

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.