Itchy skin. PMR, Pred, or something else?

[LBM1953]

Hi All. On 27.5 mg pred down from 30 mg ten days ago and hoping to reduce to 25 mg this week. All OK do far but I have developed an itchy skin over the last few days, and sometimes get a temporary localised rash as well. More annoying than anything else. Can be anywhere but mainly buttocks, hips, crotch, chest, arms. Don't think this is the PMR but could it be the pred or an allergic reaction? Only real change in diet is reduced carbs and increased dairy (yoghurt). Thanks in advance. LBM1953

[jinasc]

Sometimes the dye on the enteric coated can cause that problem - wash the dye of before you take the tablets.

BTW different manufacturers use different shades of 'reddy browns.'

Check the 'E' numbers of the box.

[LBM1953 in reply to jinasc]

That's interesting because I have had 5 mg white ones up until now but now also have the 2.5 mg gastric resistant type (for last ten days) as well. The itch only started four days ago but am only taking one Gastro pill per day so could it be that it may have built up? LBM1953

[MrsNails in reply to LBM1953]

You can get non coated 2.5mg Pred Tablets just the GP’s aren’t always aware.

[LBM1953]

Ta. I will go back to splitting the 5 mg non coated tabs and see if that helps. I also just tried washing off the coating and it also works. Lets hope that is what it is and it stops (do they make adult anti-scratch mittens)?!! 🤣

[bussell]

Intermittently I have furiously itchy patches here and there since starting on pred 6 months ago. Dry skin seems to be a contributory factor so a good neutral skin lotion like E45 helps and my saviour is Eurax, an antihistamine cream from Novartis, which calms things down instantly. Good for insect bites too and you can get it over the counter. Worth a try

[LBM1953 in reply to bussell]

👍

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I have an allergy to wheat starch that seemed to start about the same time as the PMR symptoms. At higher doses of pred it isn't apparent but reappears as I reduce the dose of pred. A lot of people find they develop food allergies with autoimmune disorders.