long term use of steroid cream on face

[Lisa0807]

i have used Zemalog cream for almost 2 years. doctor had advised it for my skin rashes/acne. my skin was acne free during the usage if Zemalog. but at the end, the rashes came back. when i visited another doctor he said that because of using the cream for such a long time i have developed hyperpigmentation problem below my eyes which is very visible. moreover he said to stop Zemalog and suggested Azelec cream and eldoquin. but when i stopped zemalog i developed very bad rashes all over my face. i again visited the doctor and he suggested me Eliled cream(pimecrolimus). the cream worked well for me.

please suggest me, if i can use Elidel for long period without any side effect? and because of using steroid cream my skin became very thin, how can i improve it?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You should use Elidel cream for as long as your dermatologist prescribes.I have mentioned earlier that long term use has serious side effects.

Moreover,regarding the rashes on the forehead in case of your daughter, it can be due to eczema and senorrheic dermatitis. Steroids are prescribed usually in eczema. I would suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get it examined. No use continuing with long term steroid use in children.

Hope it helps.Take care and regards.

[Lisa0807]

Dear Kindd, thanks a lot. have some additional points to discuss. can i use Elidel on and off basis. my skin condition is better now. can i stop applying Elidel and start it again if slight deterioration shows?

moreover i've a daugter of 7 months old. she has also rashes on her foehead and near ears. these are itchy. doctor suggested to appy Zocort for 5 days and it was gone. but again the rashes has appeared. the rashes are not too many but itcy. what should i do? should i reapply zocort for 5 days once again. i am afraid this cream will make my baby dependent and have adverse effect(skin thinning) on my baby's skin.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The rashes and thinness of the skin of the face is due to long term side effects of steroids. Regarding Elidel also, long term safety of this drug ahs not been established. While a causal relationship has not been established, rare cases of skin malignancy and lymphoma have been reported in patients treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors, including Elidel Cream.Its usage is upto a maximum of 1 year.You can find more information about this drug from the following site:
http://www.rxlist.com/elidel-drug.htm

I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

Thank god, the steroid has not left behind worse atrophy and telangectasias.You can use the alternative but keep off the steroid.