I’m having a problem with my skin after steroid (Medrol) treatment? Will this persist?

Dr. Irwin
March 24, 2013
Hello Dr. Irwin, I am a 37 year old woman who takes very good care of my skin. 4 months ago I was treated for a sinus infection with a Medrol dose pack, oral antihistamine and a steroid nasal spray. After one week all of the thin skin on my body began to dry out and in some cases split open. After discontinuing all medicine the majority of my skin has healed, however the skin under my eyes is still completely atrophic. It's horrible. I use Renova on my skin but never under my eyes. Will it help? Will this skin ever regenerate? Thank you so much for your time. Lettie

Generally, the skin will recover completely after a short course (like you had) of the potent antiinflammatories in the steroid group …….like prednisone and methylprednisolone  (the Medrol).   They inhibit temporarily the production of collagen, and aggravate rosacea and dilated blood vessels.   Again, with short course, usually these effects are temporary.   Call your doctor for advice if the effects persist.

Renova is usually too irritating on the delicate eyelid skin but there are some retinol based products like the Replenix All-trans-Retinol Eye Repair Cream (will be included in our next product update) or a growth factor product like the TNS formulated specifically for eyelid skin.     Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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