Rosacea-Ltd Examines Steroid Flushing
Many times in the treatment of other skin conditions such as eczema or acne, the treatments prescribed are counter-productive creating a worse skin condition such as rosacea induced by steroid use.
A common mistake in the treatment of rosacea is the application of topical steroids to the skin. Steroid flushing occurs when a rosacea patient is erroneously treated for a prolonged time with topical steroids. The disorder may at first respond, but inevitably the signs of steroid atrophy emerge with thinning of the skin and a marked increase in telangiectases. The complexion becomes dark red with a copper-like hue. Soon the surface becomes studded with round, follicular, deep papulopustules, firm nodules, and even secondary comedones. The appearance is shocking with a flaming red, scaling, papule-covered face.
Steroid rosacea is an 'avoidable condition' which in addition to disfigurement is accompanied by severe discomfort and pain. Withdrawal of the steroid is inevitably accompanied by exacerbation of the disease, a trying experience for a patient and physician. (Drs. Gerd Plewig and Albert Kligman). Always avoid steroids or cortisones for any purpose. If you are on them now, get off as quickly as possible as the body and skin continue to be further addicted to steroids or cortisones for any medical purpose. Most dermatologists know not to prescribe a steroid for rosacea.
For information on steroid use, please see First World Congress of the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Each of the following items below is part of a complex interaction of several systems. YOU MAY CLICK ON THEIR LINKS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE SYSTEMS:
Systemic flushing | Sugar/carbohydrate flushing | Exercise flushing | Cigarette flushing | Adrenaline flushing | Shower/bath flushing | Alcohol flushing | Exfoliant-related flushing | Cold weather flushing | Food allergy flushing | Pollen/contact flushing | Asthma flushing