Steroid dermatitis resembling rosacea: aetiopathogenesis and treatment.
BACKGROUND
Corticosteroids were first introduced for topical use in dermatology in 1951. Since then uncontrolled use (abuse) has caused many different reactions, often with manifestations resembling those of rosacea.


OBJECTIVE
The prolonged use of local corticosteroids (usually 2-6 months) may lead to a clinical picture of severe dermatitis with erythema, papules and pustules that are classified according their localization to three types. The treatment of choice is tetracycline in combination with local application of neutral ointments.


CONCLUSIONS
Trivial skin dermatoses, especially on the face, should not be treated with local corticosteroids.
Ljubojeviae
S
S
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Croatia. suzana.ljubojevic@zg.hinet.hr
Basta-Juzbasiae
A
A
Lipozenèiae
J
J
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012393:Rosacea / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D013752:Tetracycline