Questions in The Dermatology Forum
are being answered by Dr. A. Rockoff, a board certified dermatologist, affiliated
with Tufts University School of Medicine.
Subject: Prednisone § Psoriasis Topic Area: Psoriasis
Forum: The Dermatology Forum
Question Posted By: ac on Saturday, March 24, 2001
For the past few years I have been plagued with red itchy blotches
on my face. They would suddenly appear every few days, primarily around
my scalpline and cheekbones. The problem would be worse when I was under
more stress. Though the blotches would fade after about three days,
they would return within a week at most, but usually sooner. Eventually
I consulted my doctor who told me I had psoriasis. She prescribed Prednisone
(pill form) for me to take for about two weeks. After the first day
of treatment, the blotches disppeared, and I did not have any new blotches
appear. Within two days of stopping the Prednisone, the blotches returned.
I consulted my doctor by phone and asked her to please refill my prescription.
She said she could not give me another prescription, but that I could
come in for a shot. Why couldn't she refill my prescription? Is Prednisone
a drug that should not be taken long term? Also, will the shot be just
as effective, and is it something I will have to have every so often?
Answer Posted By: Derm-M.D.-ASR
on Sunday, March 25, 2001
Prednisone is a very powerful drug, whose side-effects mount
up fast when it's taken chronically (high blood pressure, cataracts,
etc. etc.) Shots of cortisone pose similar risks. In general, we shy
away from using internal steroids in psoriasis, because the condition
often flares up, sometimes worse, when the cortisone is stopped. Facial
psoriasis, if that's what it is, should be easy enough to control with
topical medications. I'd get another opinion.
