Use glucocorticoid ointments on the face with caution

  In the dermatology clinic often see such patients: in their face, especially the cheeks have a large red spot, “red face” appearance, upon examination can be seen to have capillary dilation or combined with skin atrophy; patients complained of facial burning, itching, dryness and even pain, smear some such as dermatoprene, skin relaxation, dermatologic king of the class of The patients complained of burning sensation, itching, dryness and even pain on the face, and they put on some ointments such as Dermaplanin, Dermatologic Relief and Dermatologic King to eliminate the symptoms, but once they stop using them, the symptoms will rebound and the patients have to put on these medicines every day. They are suffering from a skin disease called facial hormone dependent dermatitis.  This disease is caused by the prolonged use of glucocorticoid ointments or drops and is commonly seen in women. In addition to the above-mentioned manifestations, there may also be thinning and shiny facial skin, chapping, abnormal pigmentation, and in severe cases, swelling and atrophic lines. These patients are mostly caused by acne, pigmented spots, seborrheic dermatitis, pityriasis simplex and other skin diseases on the face, and do not go to the hospital but use glucocorticoid ointment for a long time on their own.  However, for skin diseases caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses, the use of glucocorticoid ointment alone not only cannot play a therapeutic role, but also makes these microorganisms spread and the disease aggravate, and can also make the clinical manifestations atypical, making the diagnosis difficult .  As the saying goes, “medicine is poisonous in three parts. When we use medicine for treatment, we must not forget the side effects of medicine, and the side effects of topical medicine should not be ignored.  If glucocorticoid ointment is applied for a long time, especially on the face and wrinkled areas where the skin is weak, it will not only have side effects, but also cause the patient’s dependence on such drugs, and the patient will feel the aggravation of symptoms when he stops using it.  So how to treat facial glucocorticoid-dependent dermatitis?  First of all, glucocorticoid-containing creams or drops should be gradually discontinued, and can be replaced by fluorine-free weak glucocorticoids such as hydrocortisone cream and gradually reduce the number of doses until they are discontinued; secondly, some mild glucocorticoid-free drugs such as Heprin and moisturizing skin creams should be used topically to reduce the discomfort caused by discontinuing the use of hormone creams; secondly, treatment should be carried out for the primary disease.  After a period of treatment, the patient’s “red face” phenomenon will be significantly improved. Through the understanding of facial sugar skin belly hormone dependent dermatitis, patients should accept the lesson that they should see a doctor before using medication, do not think that the skin disease is a minor problem, self-smeared some medicine and forget it, even if it is a very light skin disease, once improper treatment, it will bring greater trouble.