when to the Prednisone side effects stop?

[bmccasland]

In May and early June I was put on prednisone by my doc (for 3 weeks) to help with my asthma and whooping cough. I tapered the dose down, and stopped taking it completely 3 weeks ago. Among the lovely side effects, it seems that the pred aggrivated my keratosis pilaris (little pimply like bumps everywhere except my face). Its probably the worse it has ever been. Not enjoying the return of night hot flashes either.

My question to those that might have been on prednisone - how long are these side effects going to last??? (whine whine whine)
While looking at web sites (like CDC, WebMD, MayoClinic) it seems that side effects from pred can linger.

Unfortunatley, I have a habit of scratching in my sleep, so now I'm covered with sores. I slather with lotion, scrub with a puff ball in the shower, and have even taken to having a soaking bath 1-2 times/week. What else can I do to clear up my skin?

[tulip]

Sorry to hear about your woes. I was on prednisone in high school for 6 weeks, and the effects lasted for months. Not what you want to hear, and I would hope that things have gotten more refined in the past 27 years since I was on it. I did not have your symptoms. I had dry flaky skin, dizziness, and weight gain (significant--and in high school it really sucked).

Can you wear gloves to sleep, or cut and file your nails very short?

[tangentgirl]

Ugh, prednisone.

Have you tried a cortisone cream? It probably won't clear things up, but it should help with the itching. Consider Benadryl (or a nice cheap generic) in the evening, although it will probably make you sleep. Zzzzzzz.

[redrhodie]

In my research for argan oil, which I was originally getting for my hair, I noticed a lot of people saying it helped their keratosis.

[Kiwi Stoker]

Apparently you shouldn't scrub KP but use moisturising lotion with AHAs, lactic acid, salicyclic acid (found in acne treatments) or other fruit acids to dissolve the scaly skin.

One lady on the net goes even furthjer by first using a acne astringent/toner BEFORE using the moisturiser with AHAs- she must have it really bad.

I've started this for my upper arms (moisturiser only from Dermologica but Palmers Cocoa Butter does a AHA forumla as well), and it's really helping. I scratch too- bad habit, and end up with little sores and scars on my arms so this is helping a lot.

[jessmarimba]

I am no help, but just wanted to wish you luck. I can't even take the prednisolone eye drops anymore because the side effects were so awful. That's some potent stuff.

[Kathi]

My allergist only puts me on Predisone for a max of 5 days for asthma symptoms. Occasionally, for sinus he puts me on it for 3 days. Thankfully, the side effects go away pretty quickly. Personally, I'd rather not take it at all but it does help clear up my symptoms.

[Catrin]

My sympathies and hope you recover soon. The only time I ever take it is when we have problems getting inflammation to leave my lungs after a sinus infection or asthma attack - they give me one of those 5 day Z-packs but have never taken it longer than that. I have keratosis pilaris as well, it isn't fun.

[bmccasland]

In my research for argan oil, which I was originally getting for my hair, I noticed a lot of people saying it helped their keratosis.

Thanks everyone. Redrhodie - took your suggestion and bought the argon oil yesterday. In true scientific fashion, I'm trying it on my left leg and arm but not on the right side.

Funny thing, in talking to the gal at the health food / vitamin store about why I wanted it, she said she had a similar problem - little bumps on her skin, but her doctor seemed to think it was a very rare skin condition (something having to do with a water allergy!). So here the poor gal thought she was suffering alone, and then walks in a customer with the same problem! I told her it wasn't that rare, is more related to dry skin than an issue with being in water. So she's interested to see if the argan oil works too.

[redrhodie]

I hope it helps! It has helped my hair, which got really brittle from the med I'm taking. I use it as a moisturizer, too. It's great stuff.

[sookiesue]

Hey there,
I hope your side effects simmer down quickly! In doing a little research about prednisone, I find that it can inflame the gut. My daughter has some food sensitivities that inflame her gut, and when they flare up one of her symptoms is bumpy, dry skin that resembles (or perhaps it is?) KP. Adding a probiotic supplement to her diet seemed to help her skin when she had flare ups.

Maybe attacking the KP from inside (probiotics) and out (lotions and AHAs) will help?

Best,
Susan

[lovelygamer]

I end up on pred for respiratory illness a couple of times a year. The effects last longer than I'd like to admit. I am sorry I can't offer advice. Just rest and take care of yourself - even if it takes a bit longer than expected.

Have you tried tea tree oil for clearing skin? It stinks but you don't need much and it seems to work for me in the past. Good Luck.

[bmccasland]

Weeell, I wasn't going to mention the gut issues. Let's just say the epithelial tissues aren't happy, anywhere. But I have been eating good quality yogurt. I'm used to gut problems, as IBS has been my friend for years.