TY - JOUR A1 - Kakkar, Sushil A1 - Sharma, Prafulla T1 - Topical steroid-dependent face: Response to xylometazoline topical Y1 - 2017/7/1 JF - Indian Journal of Drugs in Dermatology JO - Indian J Drugs Dermatol SP - 87 EP - 89 VL - 3 IS - 2 UR - https://www.ijdd.in/article.asp?issn=2455-3972;year=2017;volume=3;issue=2;spage=87;epage=89;aulast=Kakkar DO - 10.4103/ijdd.ijdd_6_16 N2 - Unsupervised and long-term use of fluorinated/potent topical steroids on the face can lead to side effects such as acne, skin thinning, photosensitivity, and a typical clinical presentation of a topical steroid-dependent face (TSDF) with rebound flushing, burning, dryness, and scaling on attempted withdrawal of the potent topical steroid cream. To evaluate the response of a commercially available nasal decongested solution of xylometazoline 0.05% in patients of long-term potent topical steroid abuse on the face. Two patients with a history of long-term, indiscriminate, and unsupervised topical steroid use on the face were asked to use a commercially available nasal decongestant solution, on face. Patients were asked to use the decongestant solution on face, once daily for 2 weeks. Follow-up after 2 weeks demonstrated excellent improvement in flushing and erythema. Side effects reported were transient tingling and stinging sensation. Xylometazoline, being an alpha-adrenergic agonist, presents an effective new option for treatment in patients of flushing and erythema, resulting from long-term topical steroid use on face. ER -