cea/Seb Derm Dilemma

[Guest guest]

Over a year ago I was told by a dermatologist that I had rosacea. I

saw a different dermatologist this week and he disagreed with the

diagnosis of rosacea. He said that my problem is seborrheic

dermatitis. I told him that I do have symptoms of rosacea such as

broken blood vessels on the bridge of my nose and I flush

occasionally (mostly when under stress or after drinking alcohol).

He said it might be possible that 5% of my problem was rosacea

(don't know how he arrived at that conclusion), but the broken

blood

vessels were caused by sun damage (even though I told him I stay out

of the sun). It really seemed that he thought I didn't have

rosacea

at all.

He prescribed Aclovate for my face. That's a topical steriod,

and I'm concerned that if I have rosacea it will aggravate it.

If I

don't have rosacea I'm afraid it may induce it. (I've

read that steroids can induce rosacea.) He assured me that Aclovate

is safe and a very mild steroid that is used on babies with

dermatitis. He also assured me that Aclovate would not thin my skin.

(I have read that topical steroids do this and this helps induce

rosacea.) He even said that in some cases topical steroids were

indicated for rosacea such as for rosacea dermatitis.

I looked up Aclovate's potential side-effects and I am concerned

about them. Aclovate is also an expensive medication.

I asked him about non-steroid treatments like anti-fungal

medications. He said they wouldn't be very effective and

Aclovate is what I should use. According to him Aclovate could clear

up my skin in a few days. In my case he did not seem to think that

Aclovate would cause rosacea (or adversely affect it if I do actually

have it).

I've noticed other people posting similar experiences of

dermatologists prescribing topical steroids like Des Owen. Is anyone

else concerned about this? I am confused and concerned about using

topical steroids.

So what am I supposed to do? Does anyone have experience with

Aclovate? Can it really clear up seb derm in a few days? Has it

caused or aggravated anyone's rosacea? Are there any effective

treatments for seb derm besides topical steroids? What would you do

if you were in my situation?

I'd really appreciate it if anyone would share their experience

or

knowledge in this area. Thanks.

Dave