Treating skin disorders with Prednisone

Corticosteroids come in a range of different formats with many being delivered as lotions, creams and salves. For many disorders, the use of these topical medications will produce quick results when rubbed on to the affected areas. However, sometimes, the appearance of a problem on the skin is the result of disfunction under the skin. In such cases, the use of Prednisone in pill form is the best route because it more directly treats the process in the body causing the problem. Both the clinical trials and years of postmarketing experience have shown that Prednisone acts rapidly and, because it is relatively inexpensive, it has become a first response drug for many skin conditions. But getting the best results is not as scientific as in the use of some other drugs.

Under normal circumstances, the estimation of dosage is made on a response to fixed indicators. Body temperature, blood pressure and other symptoms are measured, body weight and general health is taken into account and the dosage computed. Estimating the severity of a skin disorder is more subjective and it is quite common for the starting dosage to be changed up or down depending on your reaction to the drug. Even more important is the need to reduce the dosage as soon as the condition responds to the treatment. The strategy is to get the best possible result with the shortest burst of the drug. Indeed, in almost all cases, your doctor will instruct you not to take this drug for more than two weeks. If you ignore this instruction, there is a strong probability you will experience adverse side effects.

You must understand that Prednisone is not a long-term cure for many conditions. It is an extremely effective drug for the reduction of inflammation. If you do take it for weeks or months, it thins your skin and you will begin to bruise more easily. You can keep this side effect under control to some extent using alpha hydroxyacids, but the other side effects are not controllable. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Prednisone.

What do people with skin disorders say about prednisone?

Tina:

I’ve got psoriasis. My doctor says it’s a stress problem but gave me Prednisone. The effect was amazing. It cleared up most of the larger areas but the weight gain was too much. For me, it came to a choice between psoriasis and a sensible figure. Clothes cover up the skin but not the weight. Shame because Prednisone was great on the skin.

Victoria :

I’ve been troubled with hives. When I saw my doctor, I’d had the hives already for about two days. She gave me prednisone. It took two days for the hives to clear up. Now if I feel itchy or see blotches coming I take one pill and the skin clears up. My life is changed!