Cortisone Withdrawal

[Guest guest]

I am a new member of this support group as of today.I was

" officailly " diagnosed with cea by my family doctor about a year

ago. Prior to that, I had experienced periodic flare-ups of red,

burning, flaky patches on my cheeks, nose, etc. Though I tried a

number of prescribed topical treatments, I found early on that over-

the-counter cortisone creams(1%) worked quite well to reduce all the

symptoms.That was close to 10 years ago!! Very recently I discovered

the dangers of long term cortisone use and it frightened me.This past

weekend a typical flare-up started to appear, but this time I did not

use any cortisone. It is now four days later and my face is covered

with red blotches and BURNS like it has never burned before!! I went

to my doctor and he prescribed Novacet, a sulfer based topical and

referred me to yet another dermatologist who I will see in one week.

I'm very scared. I've never had an outbreak as severe as this one.

Have I permanently damaged the facial tissue of my face with my long

term cortisone use???? Are the extreme symptoms I'm experiencing

simply a form of withdrawal, and if so, how long will it last?? I'm

not using the Novacet because it only exacerbates the redness and

burning. But I am seriously considering starting up with the cortisone

again. I don't want to, but at least it helped to stop the burning.

Any feedback would be appreciated, even if it's to say what I'm

experiencing is normal and will pass with time.

Thanks everyone for listening to a " Newcomer " .........Terry R.