What is prednisone and why might your doctor prescribe it for psoriasis?
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that works by reducing immune system activity and controlling inflammation. Some doctors prescribe it for short periods to treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, though many prefer topical steroid creams Show Full Answer
What is prednisone and why might your doctor prescribe it for psoriasis?
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that works by reducing immune system activity and controlling inflammation. Some doctors prescribe it for short periods to treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, though many prefer topical steroid creams instead.
For psoriasis, inflammation causes skin cells to grow much faster than normal, leading to plaque buildup. Prednisone can help calm this inflammation quickly.
Important considerations:
A 7-day supply is a short-term approach, which is generally how systemic corticosteroids are used for psoriasis. However, there are some things to be aware of:
• Dermatologists are often cautious about systemic corticosteroids because they can potentially cause psoriasis flares, though research shows this happens at relatively low rates
• Short-term use is generally safer than long-term use, which can lead to more significant side effects
• Some people experience a rebound flare after stopping the medication
What to watch for:
If you take prednisone for an extended period or repeatedly, it can affect your adrenal glands' ability to produce cortisol naturally, potentially leading to adrenal insufficiency. However, this is more of a concern with longer-term use rather than a 7-day course.
Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions exactly and don't stop the medication abruptly without consulting them first.
March 13