Approaching one year anniversary of PMR and have successfully tapered to 4.5 mg from starting dose of 15. In the last 6 months I have noticed increased hair growth on my arms which I learned is called vellus hair and can be a side effect of the prednisone. The hair is light and soft to touch however is always "erect" (haha). Anyone else experience this and if so, does the hair growth slow with lower dose?
Stock photo attached however it looks exactly like my arms.
Pred has a strange relationship with hair growth - either grows abundantly where you don’t want it - or limits it’s growth /changes appearance where you do want it!
Usually settles on lower doses, so surprised it has become an issue now.
Does Dr Google give any reason other than Pred?
No other cause that I can relate with....the increased hair has occurred over the past 6 months and has become more noticeable over the last 60 days...thankful it's not dark hair otherwise I would look like gorilla arms but dark hair would cover the bruising. 😜
Win some, lose some 😳
I grew hair on my arms, chin and sideburns. It slowly went as the Pred reduced.
Perhaps there is hope yet, I could do with some up top!! Peter
It had precisely the opposite effect on me. My arm and leg hair are practically non-existent.
On my face. Not so Much fun!!
I derma blade my face daily 😢
It’s very elegant! Pred has some bonkers side effects but this is one of the gentler ones. It will go and you can always cover up if it makes you self conscious. I’ve just invested in some Dermatuff arm protectors to stop some of the bruising (hopefully 😀), so my arms will be shrouded in charcoal material - think your look is better 😅🌺
I plan on purchasing arm protectors as well since every shopping trip results in multiple bruises. Arnica gel is my best friend!
Hi there. I've been on prednisolone for 16mths starting on 15mg.....increasing to 40mg and down to 5mg now but 6months in, I noticed downy fine hair on my arms, side of my face and above top lip. Thankfully my hair is naturally blonde so it's not too visible. However, I've had the reverse happen with the hair on my head! Its thinner and finer but does seem to be returning back to normal slowly.
yes I have the fine facial, neck and upper lip hair as well....I derma-blade my face every day.
I don't know what dermablading is?? I'm frightened to remove it in case it grows back darker and stronger!
Basically very expensive shaving 
Shaved hair looks/feels stronger because it has lost the fine tip of the hair which is softer. I use an epilator now and again for my face - hairy arms are fine!
Thankyou. Never come across that technique....sounds like it could be painful too!!😲
I buy packets of 3 derma blades or also known as "eyebrow razor" and they are inexpensive. My hair does not come back in thicker and it's a quick fix...my face is as smooth as a baby bum haha. Google derma blades and you will find them as I am not able to upload a photo with my reply.
It's a bit ouchy the first time or too but no worse than waxing, works better than waxing for fine short hairs and is a lot cheaper... Mine is an original Braun from 25+ years ago - but nowadays they do delicate versions for facial use.
I can endorse the Epilady, l lost all the hair on my head & body due to Chemo but the hair grew back very fine on my face ‘Peach Fuzz’ like lanugo on a baby, l soon whipped that off with my Epilady......
Hello Island RN...yes, indeedy...thinking of plaiting my arm hair soon! Face is covered in fine ‘down’, but, luckily, I’m fair in colour, so left the face for now as have been shielding & not seen anybody! But the arms I do with electric razor, cut then down from 1 inch to a quarter inch to feel a bit decent! When we go out in public again I will have to shave my face!! I’m back at 15mg for two weeks due to tooth infection troubles, but normally down to 8mg. I haven’t noticed any reduction of hair at 8mg, sadly, but hoping it may cease sometime!! As an aside...is RN Royal Navy? I served in the WRNS & my husband was Royal Navy for 27 years! Just a thought!
RN is Registered Nurse however served in US Air Force! I am okay with the arm hair since it’s light and soft 😜. Hope your tooth infection clears swiftly and you are able to get back to your lower dose. Good luck in your PMR journey!
LOL...I was a bit ‘out’ there, sorry! Just had to ask in case. Air Force is great, too...I nearly joined the RAF here, but chose the Navy instead! Thanks for replying, & yes, hairiness is the new wonderfulness! I find mine is almost ‘static’ in nature. Good luck to you, too!
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