Since reducing my pred dry areas of skin, quite sensitive????

[Lola5670]

Since reducing my pred from 12.5mg to 10mg I have noticed that I seem to have developed quite a few areas of very dry sensitive skin area on my back, almost like excema, is this a side affect of pred and what should I do to treat it. Any help or suggestions greatly appreciated. Am hoping to reduce pred to 7.5mg tomorrow. Many thanks

[SnazzyD]

It seems that people develop sensitivities around this level, sometimes quite severe. The main thing is to keep it well moisturised and keep an eye on it for redness, weeping and pain which might mean infection. If it is pink, itchy and uncomfortable, if you can’t get to see a doc, try a photo for the pharmacist in case you need a bit of hydrocortisone or antifungal for a short time. I have had a dry, itchy but sensitive area if I scratch it area on my back for years. Nothing helps, it doesn’t get worse or better and there’s nothing in to see, though I’ve discovered the label on my bra happens to sit there.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I have small areas like that - almost certainly keratoses. Nothing seems to change them.

I would counsel against continuing to drop 2.5mg at a time. It is recommended that reductions should be no more than 10% of the current dose - and from 10mg almost no-one recommends more than 1mg at a time. This isn't just because it reduces the steroid withdrawal symptoms - but also because by dropping 2.5mg at a time you may well overshoot the desired dose: the lowest dose that achieves the same effect as the starting dose did. 10mg may be too much, 7.5mg too little and you have a flare which requires a return to a higher dose to get it under control.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Agree with PMRPro regarding reductions from now in. A drop of 1mg is much more sensible approach - 2,5mg a time is risking a flare.

[SheffieldJane]

My skin became very sensitive. I now use unscented everything, usually E45 products. It has helped so much. The creams ease the eczema type symptoms, the shower stuff is great.

[Daffodilia]

Have you tried Avenocream?

[composition]

from 20 2 years ago this fall to 9mg and doing well. I did have one flare when I tapered too quickly. Question: How long to remain at 9 before going to 8 mg.? Is one month too short a time before dropping it again?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to composition]

If you feel well and there are no signs of PMR symptoms - however slight - reappearing there is no reason why you should wait at a new dose more than a month. Some people find it easier to switch to 1/2mg drops as they get lower but if 1mg works that's OK.

Are you using one of the slowed taper approaches? Like this one:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[composition]

no, just reducing 1 mg. a month........but I could definitely try this reduction. I think my rheumatologist would be fine and I could email her this system. I have one shoulder that is sore and has been for the past month; however, it is NOT bilateral, just the one so maybe I pulled it?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to composition]

All it does is put you part of a month behind - you can still reduce 1mg a month so it isn't really slower, just the step-down is smoothed out and less of a shock to the system.

[Singr]

My skin is extremely dry. It’s like I’ve gone from good skin to dry and thin like someone in their 70s or 80s. ( sorry, no offence meant). My feet and ankles are so itchy I’m scratching them raw. Don’t know what that’s about.

[Lola5670 in reply to Singr]

Yes mine too. Have taken advice from some other members and ordered some e45 cream from amazon and some aveeno body wash and will also start adding a few drops if baby oil to my baths I think. Contacted my gp today who was not in the slightest interested and told me to go and have a blood test, a few hours later received a letter from the GPS telling me to shield myself for 12 weeks. So with all the great advice from this group have made upy own plan for treating the skin. Def worth getting from amazon souch cheaper x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Singr]

Pred probably. Stop using soap (or anything that foams) and look for the sort of stuff that is used for eczema patients - in the UK it would be Diprobase of Doublebase products. If you have Amazon Prime it is affordable anywhere but in the UK it is quite reasonably priced from chemists/drug stores.

[Lola5670 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you x

[Thelmarina]

Diprobase cream works for me and I use it every day as an intensive moisturiser and barrier. They also have a more intensive ointment, quite greasy for raw and itching skin.