Steroid acne and rebound phenomenon.
BACKGROUND
There have been many reports of topical steroids treatment for the face causing perioral dermatitis, steroid acne, and steroid rebound phenomenon.


OBJECTIVE
To assess patient reported outcomes in patients receiving compounded topical (hydrocortisone 0.75% and precipitated sulfur 0.5%) lotion for up to 15 years for common dermatological conditions of the face.


METHODS
In a retrospective study, 300 patients were randomly sampled from the dermatology clinic who had used, or were continuing to use, a lotion based, pharmacy-compounded topical preparation for the face. The topical compound was used in therapies for seborrheic dermatitis and combination with prescription topical therapy for patients with acne and rosacea with tolerability problems.


RESULTS
None of the 300 patients experienced steroid acne, rebound phenomenon, or perioral dermatitis associated with use of hydrocortisone 0.75% and precipitated sulfur 0.5% on the face.


CONCLUSIONS
There was no evidence found that perioral dermatitis, steroid acne, or rebound phenomenon occurs when sulfur is compounded with topical hydrocortisone 0.75%.
Harlan
Steven L
SL
Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgical Center, Clive, IA 50325, USA. harlan8131@aol.com
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019557:Dermatitis, Perioral / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000188:drug therapy; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013256:Steroids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013455:Sulfur / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D013256:Steroids; D013455:Sulfur; D006854:Hydrocortisone