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...& more HEALTH MATTERS Promoting health and wellness Facing up to withdrawal from topical steroids By Mary C. Smith, RN, MSN; Susan Nedorost, MD; and Brandie Tackett, MD MANY AMERICANS have chronic skin conditions such as seborrhea and eczema that affect the face. These conditions can cause erythema and pruritus and make the face look dry and scaly. Topical corticosteroids applied to the face to treat these symptoms can cause steroid rosacea and steroid addiction syndrome, resulting in new symptoms that perpetuate the topical steroid usage. Using topical corticosteroids on the face for longer than 2 weeks can cause a rosacea-like eruption, also called steroid rosacea, or severe redness and burning upon withdrawal of the topical medication, which is called steroid addiction syndrome. To control either condition, the patient must cease using topical corticosteroid medication. In this article, we’ll tell you how to recognize these conditions and how to help your patient to withdraw from topical drugs that trigger them. Getting the red out In conditions such as eczema, applying a topical corticosteroid to the face gets the red out immediately because of the medication’s vasoconstrictive action. Steroid rosacea occurs only on the face and neck; steroid addiction syndrome occurs only on the face, neck, and genitalia. The reason for the localization of these responses is uncertain because regional variation in skin physiology, including neurocutaneous, vascular, and immunologic interactions, haven’t been fully characterized. When corticosteroids are withdrawn, rosacea papules and pustules become redder and patients complain of cutaneous burning. In response, your patient may 60 | Nursing2007 | September apply the medication more frequently or switch to a higher potency steroid to relieve her signs and symptoms. This may give her shortterm relief, but a rebound flare will occur with withdrawal attempts, resulting in even more redness and inflammation than before1 and requiring more medication to manage. To prevent steroid rosacea, pictured here, teach your patient not to use steroids on her This sets up a vicious face for longer than 2 weeks. cycle, known as steroid addiction syndrome. Signs and symptoms ucts. It’s a good idea to ask your patient to bring in any medications that she’s include erythema, a burning sensation, used on the affected area for you to inpapules, and pustules. spect because some products contain Anyone who uses steroids on her face unlabeled steroids.3 can develop steroid rosacea, but fairskinned women between the ages of 30 Stopping the cycle and 50 who blush easily are at increased Discontinuing all facial applications of risk, as these are the patients most likely steroid medications is the next step in to develop common rosacea. Although breaking the cycle of steroid rosacea. no one knows exactly why, scientists Your patient will need a clear outline speculate that those who blush easily of what to expect during the withhave an increased facial skin surface temdrawal period. For example, she needs perature and oil production, which alters to know that rebound flares will octhe type of normal microbial flora.2 cur, but that they’ll be temporary. To Uncovering steroid rosacea relieve withdrawal symptoms, tell her When you perform medication reconcili- she can apply cool compresses or reation, be sure to ask specifically about frigerated emollients such as petrotopical products; many people don’t leum jelly (Vaseline) or glycerin and consider creams to be medications and rose water, which have minimal irriinadvertently omit them from the medtant and sensitization potential. Her ication list. Ask your patient for a comhealth care provider may prescribe plete list of topical medications that she systemic tetracycline derivative antibicurrently uses or has used on the afotics to suppress inflammation. Your fected areas, including steroids, herbal patient may need support by telephone preparations, and over-the-counter prod- follow-up because emotional distress www.nursing2007.com often accompanies withdrawal. Warn her that symptoms may last for many months, proportionate to the time she used the topical steroid. The best time to prevent steroid rosacea is when topical corticosteroids are first prescribed. Tell your patient not to use steroids on her face for longer than 2 weeks and explain adverse drug effects such as steroid rosacea. Patient teaching Withdrawing from steroid use is emotionally challenging. Provide your patient with emotional support and teach her the following: • Stop using all steroids on the face and eyelids. Stopping steroid use may make the condition much worse at first, but it www.nursing2007.com will get better. • Use medications only as directed. • Never use medications prescribed for someone else. • Never use steroids on your face for longer than 2 weeks. • Avoid using cosmetics and soaps during flares. Wash your face with warm water only. • Don’t use emollients that contain acids such as lactic or glycolic acid. • When you provide your health care provider with a list of medications you use, always include medications you apply to your skin. • Call your health care provider with any questions. Learn to recognize this condition in patients, then give them your guidance and emotional support as they withdraw from steroids and break the cycle. ‹› REFERENCES 1. Rapaport MJ, Rapaport V. Eyelid dermatitis to red face syndrome to cure: Clinical experience in 100 cases. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 41(3, Pt. 1):435-442, September 1999. 2. Dahl MV, et al. Temperature regulates bacterial protein production: Possible role in rosacea. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 50(2):266-272, February 2004. 3. Beer K, Downie J. Sequelae from inadvertent long-term use of potent topical steroids. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 6(5):550-551, 2007. RESOURCE Arndt KA, Hsu JH. Manual of Dermatologic Therapeutics, 7th edition. Philadelphia, Pa., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007. Mary C. Smith is a staff nurse in the dermatology department of University Hospitals Case Medical Center of Cleveland, Ohio, where Susan Nedorost, a dermatologist, is director of the contact dermatitis clinic. Dr. Nedorost is also an associate professor of dermatology and Brandie Tackett is a recent graduate of Case Western Reserve University Medical School in Cleveland. September | Nursing2007 | 61