Comparison of systemic corticosteroids

[HeronNS]

This morning I accidently opened this site I'd bookmarked some time ago. As occasionally there are questions about the action of different medications I thought it would be of interest, although its focus is on treating skin conditions. It compares cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, methylprednisolone and dexamethasone:

dermnetnz.org/topics/system...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are a few very good NZ medical sites.

[alliebc in reply to PMRpro]

Yes that dermnetnz.org is the clearest and most comprehensive skin site that I have found - and they have photos of the conditions.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to alliebc]

GOOD photos too - not the end of the world type or ones that you wonder why they bothered!!

[HeronNS]

Yes, I felt a whole lot better when I took 10 mg earlier this year to deal with a PMR flare, but then, even with a reducing dose I began to feel not so well, and the osteoarthritis was definitely getting much worse. I'm down to 5 again now, but I think for me the best place is no more than 3 and preferably 2. Not going to rush back down but I sure hope I can get there again!

[JGBH]

Thank you for the link. Good luck with the reduction of steroids.

[Maggie1313]

👍

[Hidden]

I am curious as to why my bruising is consistently on my left forearm. Not from hitting it, just appear. Only occasionally other areas. Any ideas?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

I find that having bruised somewhere, the same area tends to bruise more easily and I often don't notice what does it. My right arm is worse - and I think it is from touching against the bedside table at night

[HeronNS in reply to Hidden]

They do seem to "just appear" don't they? I think it must be a result of living - not what you'd normally consider an impact, just the way the arm is moved and how clothing moves over the skin, etc. I didn't start getting the marks until my pred dose was quite low when you'd have thought they wouldn't happen. Sign of the long term probably irreversible but hopefully insignificant damage pred inflicts?

[Hidden in reply to HeronNS]

Yes I’ve noticed it’s worse as I’ve lowered dose, but only the left arm. Weird.

[PickyQ]

A very informative article that took me down several 'rabbit holes'! My dose is now 4.5mg for past 5months. I feel ok on this dose but have 'tendonitis' and very thin skin. So this site has helped me so much throughout the past 18months. Thank you so much for such helpful well balanced advice.