I have an inquiring customer wondering if her condition would benefit from indoor tanning. The medication she is on is called Prevex- B.. Any ideas?

Prevex B is a topical corticosteroid (kor-ti-ko-STER-oyds). They are used to help relieve redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort of many skin problems. These medicines are like cortisone. They belong to the general family of medicines called steroids. Prevex B causes thinning of the skin, this can cause extreme photosensitivity. She should not be tanning, but tell her to ask her doc.

20 Tips for Combating Rosacea
By Martine Mickiewicz Tanning Trends, June 2001

1. Protect your face from sun. Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher year round.
2. Stay in a cool, air-conditioned environment on hot, humid days. If this is impossible, sip cold drinks and don't overexert yourself.
3. While tanning indoors, keep a diary checklist to see if tanning or other factors trigger a rosacea flare-up.
Combat cold by covering your cheeks and nose with a scarf.
4. Use a moisturizer daily during cold weather.
5. Monitor how your rosacea reacts to alcoholic beverages.
6. Avoid "hot" spices such as white and black pepper and cayenne. Identify and avoid foods that aggravate your rosacea.
7. Reduce the temperature in beverages. Or try reducing the number of cups of hot drinks from three or four to one or two, instead.
8. Avoid heavy exertion or high intensity workouts that cause overheating. Replace these workouts with low-intensity exercise routines.
9. Try exercising for shorter more frequent intervals.
10. When exercising outdoors during warmer weather, choose early morning or early evening hours when it's cooler.
11. When exercising indoors, make sure the room is well ventilated.
12. Stay cool when exercising. Drape a cool, damp towel around your neck, drink cold fluids or spray/mist your face with cool water.
13. Avoid hot water, hot tubs and saunas.
14. Begin each day with a thorough and gentle facial cleansing.
15. Never scratch or treat your face harshly. Avoid rough washcloths, loofahs, brushes or sponges.
16. Let your face air-dry before applying any medication or skincare products.
17. Men should use an electric shaver than a blade. Avoid shaving lotions that burn or sting. Select fragrance-free products for the same reason.
18. Repeat your cleansing routine at night.
19. Avoid powders to hide blemishes and cover redness - they can make your skin dry and flaky. Instead, use liquid cover-ups or foundations.
20. Wear a broad-rimmed hat and minimize midday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) exposure to the sun during summer months.