Remedies for Cushings Syndrome from long term Prednisone

[PositivelyLupus]

Hi all,

I have recently since January been noticing stretch marks in random places on my body (inside of my legs and thighs, back, bum, hips, arm pits). Doctor agreed that this is Cushings Syndrome caused from long term prednisone. (I've been on prednisone for almost 10 years, usually I'm on a low dose of 5mg but since October 2019 I have taken 20mg daily due to my kidneys).

Anyways, I was wondering is there anything in particular creams, oils or supplements that would help with reducing the appearance that people have found really good? I've been using Bio-Oil daily, but was wondering if there is anything more specific in terms of helping the skins elasticity / strength as I believe Cushing's weakens the skin which is what causes the stretch marks is that correct?

Please take a look at my blog post regarding this where I've written more about it with photos!

positivelylupus.com

Thank you in advance xxx

[svfarmer]

As far I’m aware nothing gets rid of stretch marks I have them on my thighs and tummy from being pregnant many years ago - they will fade in time to silvery colour which are a lot less noticeable - best wishes Sam - by the way looked on your blog - your son is adorable 🥰

[PositivelyLupus in reply to svfarmer]

Hi there! Thank you so much for your reply. Yes as much as I thought 😔 I was more looking for any creams or oils people found particularly effective, it's just so crazy how many have appeared in the weirdest of places! Aww thank you so much, he tries his best to be a cutie 🥰

[Jmiller623]

Hi PL! I also developed stretch marks from steroid use and weight gain. Dermatology prescribed me Retin-A/tretinoin cream. You can use this along with microderm abrasion rollers. It’s the only combo that has data showing it works on striae. Only about 50% success if I recall correctly. Hopefully, newer things will develop.

[PositivelyLupus in reply to Jmiller623]

Hi there! Thank you for your reply, ah I've not heard of that cream, I will give it some research. I have been recommended vitamin E oil so will also give that a go. And ooh the rollers I saw that somewhere before, thank you that's a good idea! Totally forgot about that. Sounds scary though! Haha. Yes hopefully, thank you for your help! Xxx

[Jmiller623 in reply to PositivelyLupus]

Retin-A is used for acne. You only use a very small amount over large areas. It will burn your skin if you use it like a spot treatment. It basically strips superficial layer of skin so it can regenerate. You need a prescription for it. The microderm abrasion works similarly. It’s like rolling sandpaper over your skin. The two work together help strip your skin so it regenerates in hope of lightening marks.

[heatherevans28 in reply to Jmiller623]

Tretinoin is another form of retinol (which you can buy otc). You have to build up tolerance to it and start really slow. Best to watch lots of youtube or talk to a dermatologist (if you have one). It's the only thing that has any scientific evidence for lessening scars, pigmentation, wrinkles etc. It's not fool proof and isn't specifically for steroid skin unfortunately. Also be very careful if you have sensitive or rash prone skin. My skin cannot tolerate it even in the lowest dosage unfortunately.

To be honest the only thing specifically for stretch marks is vitamin E and massaging. Massaging increases blood flow to help them heal. As you've said it doesn't help the elasticity in your skin unfortunately.

I was on high dose prednisolone from the age of 19 (now 26 and on a maintenance dose but keep spiking for infections). I've been left with lots of silvery stretch marks all over my body and my boobs look like I'm much older. I also had the lump at the top of my spine that cushings causes, which luckily can be greatly reduced with physio / exercises. Moon face also lessens when your dosage does but it's definitely still there for me.

I'm sorry I can't offer much help, but they do fade to silver and a lot of us are in the same boat. Steroids can literally save our lives but sadly that has a price.

All the best xx