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Steroid rosacea in prepubertal children.
1Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, USA. william.weston@exchange.uchsc.edu
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|January 13, 2000
Summary
Steroid rosacea in children clears rapidly with abrupt topical corticosteroid cessation and oral antibiotics, challenging gradual withdrawal strategies. Even low-strength steroids can induce this condition, with genetic susceptibility playing a role.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Steroid rosacea is a corticosteroid-induced dermatosis.
- Prepubertal children may develop steroid rosacea from topical corticosteroid use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate clinical associations, family history of rosacea, and treatment response in children with steroid rosacea.
- To evaluate the efficacy of abrupt topical corticosteroid cessation and oral antibiotic treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-series of 106 children under 13 years with steroid rosacea.
- Evaluation of preceding topical corticosteroid use, family history, and treatment outcomes.
- Intervention: abrupt cessation of topical corticosteroids and 4-week oral erythromycin stearate treatment.
Main Results:
- Most children (54%) used low-potency (class 7) topical corticosteroids, including over-the-counter hydrocortisone.
- A family history of rosacea was present in 20% of cases.
- 86% of children achieved complete clearing within 4 weeks of treatment, with 100% clearing by 8 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Abrupt discontinuation of topical corticosteroids combined with oral antibiotics effectively treats steroid rosacea in children.
- Gradual steroid withdrawal is not supported; even low-potency steroids can induce the condition.
- Genetic predisposition, indicated by family history, may increase susceptibility to steroid rosacea.