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Suggest Treatment For Recurrent Red Rashes On Face

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Posted on Fri, 2 Jan 2015
Question: Hi Dr, I get red rashes on my face regularly. Dr had advised me with lots of different creams like, atopiclair, picon and many more. He had given me isotane 20 tablet also. But everything was temporary. Only elocon ointment works for me. I use it very rarely, just for 2 or 3 days XXXXXXX Is it ok & safe.. I have a very dry & sensitive skin.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your skin condition is likely related to steroid abuse

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us at healthcaremagic

I have gone through your query. The side effects that you notice are probably those of steroid abuse.
The ointment which you have been using contains a potent topical steroid i.e mometasone furoate 0.1%.
I strongly advice you against using this cream on face!!
Potent topical steroids if used regularly on face can cause side effects like acne, skin thinning, dryness, easy flushing, persistent redness, sun sensitivity and hirsutism in females.
Moreover on stopping steroids after regular use you can expect certain side effects like flushing, redness, itching, dryness, acne eruption etc.
These side effects are together part of a condition known as "Steroid Rosacea"; it resembles rosacea and it is steroid induced.
The creams which have been prescribed by your dermatologist would definitely aid in the recovery of your skin.
Recovery is a gradual process and it may take time; during these times you may be tempted to use topical steroids but you should resist!!
Since you skin would be sensitive therefore, you may use a broad spectrum sunscreen throughout the day. Neutrogena's Dry Touch Ultrasheer Sunscreen (SPF 50) is available OTC and is quite good. You may continue with the sunscreen that you have been using. Reapply every 2-3 hours whenever outdoors.
Apart from sunscreen, topical's that have a beneficial role in steroid induced rosacea are 1% pimecrolimus, 1% metronidazole gel. You have already tried some of these. You may use them once or twice daily OR else you may just use a plain moisturizer, once or twice daily.
Use a gentle cleanser for face wash e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion, twice daily.
You need to be patient with this skin condition because it tends to first flare once steroids are discontinued, therefore this will take some time to recover. The focus should be to stay away from steroid

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (13 hours later)
Hello Dr.
Thank you for the reply
Kindly let me the exact medication for this. Before using steroid alsi , I used to get the rashes with itching. It looks like tiny heat boils. Pl gv me the remedy.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I suggest Oral antibiotics and topical antiacne medication in addition..

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I would have been in a better position to help you if you would have Or can upload a few pictures so that I am visually able to assess the condition and therefore guide better.

I suggest an Oral Antibiotic in addition to Oral Isotretinoin that you are already taking, since you also seem to have acne (which you probably refer to as heat boils). I would have started you on Azithromycin.
I think Oral antibiotics are necessary in your case because they would benefit both Steroid Rosacea as well as acneform eruptions/heat boils that accompany rosacea.
Oral antibiotics are prescription medication.

Since you have a sensitive skin, therefore you must use a sunscreen regularly and a non comedogenic moisturizer at night.

Topically you may use clindamycin 1% gel as a spot treatment for acne/heat boils.

Use a gentle cleanser for face wash e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion

Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Recurrent Red Rashes On Face

Brief Answer: Your skin condition is likely related to steroid abuse Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us at healthcaremagic I have gone through your query. The side effects that you notice are probably those of steroid abuse. The ointment which you have been using contains a potent topical steroid i.e mometasone furoate 0.1%. I strongly advice you against using this cream on face!! Potent topical steroids if used regularly on face can cause side effects like acne, skin thinning, dryness, easy flushing, persistent redness, sun sensitivity and hirsutism in females. Moreover on stopping steroids after regular use you can expect certain side effects like flushing, redness, itching, dryness, acne eruption etc. These side effects are together part of a condition known as "Steroid Rosacea"; it resembles rosacea and it is steroid induced. The creams which have been prescribed by your dermatologist would definitely aid in the recovery of your skin. Recovery is a gradual process and it may take time; during these times you may be tempted to use topical steroids but you should resist!! Since you skin would be sensitive therefore, you may use a broad spectrum sunscreen throughout the day. Neutrogena's Dry Touch Ultrasheer Sunscreen (SPF 50) is available OTC and is quite good. You may continue with the sunscreen that you have been using. Reapply every 2-3 hours whenever outdoors. Apart from sunscreen, topical's that have a beneficial role in steroid induced rosacea are 1% pimecrolimus, 1% metronidazole gel. You have already tried some of these. You may use them once or twice daily OR else you may just use a plain moisturizer, once or twice daily. Use a gentle cleanser for face wash e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion, twice daily. You need to be patient with this skin condition because it tends to first flare once steroids are discontinued, therefore this will take some time to recover. The focus should be to stay away from steroid Regards