Facial corticosteroid addictive dermatitis (FCAD) has rapidly emerged as a health problem in China in recent years, because of the uncontrolled use of topical steroids. In total, 312 patients with FCAD from Guiyang, China were entered into a study. In this study, FCAD was classified into five types: dermatitis (n = 109; 34.9%), acne (n = 78; 25%), rosacea (n = 64; 20.5%), angiotelectasia (n = 30; 9.6%) and dermotrophia/hyperpigmentation (n = 31; 9.9%). Improper advertisement by manufacturers, availability of steroids without prescription, improper prescribing by doctors, and patient misuse of medication has resulted in the rapid emergence of FCAD in China. Public awareness and physician and patient education of the potential side-effects of topical corticosteroids should be improved.