Hi Jim,
I hope everyone is enjoying a happy thanksgiving. Can't believe how rapidly
2 years have passed since David started this wonderful support group!
In answer to your query: Continuous long-term use of topical corticosteroid
on the face is not judicious for anyone, The key word here is long-term.
However, I believe that when circumstance requires it, a short-term course
of low potency non-fluorinated topical cortisone, on the face of
non-rosacean, is not out of the question. There are times when it is
important to control an acute condition as soon as possible, to prevent
progression or complication and to give relief to the patient. Once this is
achieved, a responsible physician will: 1) attempt to find the cause of the
condition and treat it accordingly and 2) convey the message that cortisone
cream should be discontinued and not be used long-term due to its many side
effects such as peri-oral dermatitis, steroid addiction, steroid induced
rosacea, skin atrophy etc.
As for rosacean skin, it is definitely a good idea to use all other
alternative topicals or oral medications available, rather than use
cortisone. This is, as you know, due to the highly excitable reactive skin
and vasomotor instability of rosaceans. I give you and the members of this
group much credit for spreading the word.

Linda Sy M.D.
Linda Sy Skin Care
http://www.lindasy.com
Voice:Toll-free 877-Lindasy (546-3279)
Outside US: 925-256-0178
FAX: 925-939-5207
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim" <hoopeekak@...>
To: <rosacea-support@egroups.com>
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2000 12:36 AM
Subject: [rosacea] Cortisone Question for Dr. Sy


> Hello,
> This question is directed toward Dr. Sy in particular;
> comments from medical personnel and anyone else who
> has an opinion would also be greatly appreciated.
> I recently sent a response message to a woman who was
> experiencing severe "withdrawal" symptoms while
> attempting to stop using cortisone. I myself was given
> 2.5% hydrocortisone by a dermatologist at one of the
> most reputable medical facilities in Dallas. The
> dermatologist left me on the hydrocortisone
> indefinitely. My problem (vascular facial flushing)
> diminished over a period of several months - then
> suddenly returned with a vengeance. I suspect that
> thousands of patients in the US alone have had similar
> experiences.
>
> *The "rebound" effect of long-term topical steroid
> usage which I experienced appears to be
> well-documented.
> *The weakening of the dermis by long-term topical
> steroid usage also seems well-documented.
>
> Assuming that the prior two statements are true, WHY
> do so many medical professionals persist in leaving
> patients on these compounds indefinitely?
> Any insight or comments on this issue would be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks very much,
> Jim Clary
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Calendar - Get organized for the holidays!
> http://calendar.yahoo.com/
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> Please read the list highlights thoroughly before posting to the whole
group. See http://rosacea.ii.net/toc.html
>
> When replying, please delete all text at the end of your email that isn't
necessary for your message.
>
> To leave the list send an email to rosacea-support-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>