The treatment of steroid rosacea is a slow process often involving antiacne agents such as benzoyl peroxide and oral or topical antibiotics.23 Abrupt discontinuation of topical steroids followed by administration of antibiotics is a suitable treatment option. Prior recommendation has been to taper all topical steroids to prevent rebound flare; however, one study found clearing of symptoms by week 3 in 22% of patients, by week 4 in 86% of patients, and by week 8 in 100% of patients following abrupt cessation of topical steroids and a regimen of oral erythromycin stearate or topical clindamycin phosphate in children with erythromycin allergy or intolerance.8 Thus, a gradual withdrawal of topical nonfluorinated steroids may not be necessary. However, it is more common than not for children to experience an initial flare of their condition upon withdrawal from topical fluorinated steroids. This is followed by a slow and steady fading.23
Article
Rosacea in the Pediatric Population
Cutis. 2004 August;74(2):99-103
Author and Disclosure Information
Dr. Lacz is a staff physician at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Dr. Schwartz is Professor and Head of Dermatology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, Newark.
Drs. Lacz and Schwartz report no conflict of interest.