Can steroid creams worsen facial eczema and cause bumps?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have eczema with allergies. It appears as milia. It is present on my eyelids, undereye, half of my face, and severely on my chin. Now my chin and cheek are discolored. There is dryness, and it seems to be like psoriasis after using Fluticasone propionate and Desonide. The fresh small bumps are still present on my forehead, and they are starting to grow on my right cheek.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You are suffering from eczema patches on the face. You have tried using topical steroid creams, and now your skin has become dry with bumps. It seems that you have developed acne-like lesions due to long-term use of steroid creams. A fungal infection can also develop due to the overuse of steroids.

Though steroid creams are used for treating eczema, their regimen needs to be designed to avoid its side effects. Firstly, I want you to understand that dry skin and allergy are the main causes of eczema, and you need to control these first to control eczema. Once you solve the cause, the requirement for medication is less. Please follow the steps below:

You need to do an allergy test with serum IgE (immunoglobulin E) and a patch test.
You can have eczema, acneiform eruption due to steroid side effects, and a secondary fungal infection due to steroid overuse. You can use moisturizer twice a day, and antihistamine tablets can be taken depending on the allergy level and itching.
A topical steroid cream can be used. The dose is adjusted, and tapering can be done depending on the condition of the eczema patches.
Please upload a photograph of facial eczema to help you further. Kindly see your dermatologist for an appropriate prescription for steroid use in eczema.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.