Eczema returning as steroids for PMR reduce

[Miserere]

I am finding that as my steroids for PMR reduce my scalp exczema/dermatitis is returning with a vengeance. Has anyone else experienced this and, if so, have they found any relief? Also I wonder if anyone can recommend cool pillows as I wake up scratching once the head gets warm. Thank you in advance.

[SnazzyD]

Pred will have been suppressing allergic reactions and I’ve noticed people complain of either new or increased allergy problems as the dose reduces below 10mg. I was the same and it gradually wore off over months.

[Miserere in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks, Snazzy D - hopefully it will wear off. I shall look at cooling pillows as well I think.

[MrsNails]

My Son has Asthma & Eczema since he was a baby & if he ever had Courses of Steroids for his Asthma his Eczema would improve but he would always get a Kick Back/Flare of his Eczema when he stops the steroids.

So again this is where very slowly tapering came help - do you have other treatments for your head & scalp that could help ease it?

Kind Regards

MrsN

[Miserere in reply to MrsNails]

Thanks for your response MrsNails. The only other treatment I have is Betnovate scalp lotion but it doesn't touch it nowadays. I have tried other things as well but to no avail at present.

[jarn in reply to Miserere]

Have you tried "Tea Tree Oil?" Noticed a small eruption of psoriasis, so applied it for a few days (but have to contend with the strong odor!!!) It did seem to stop the scaling. Good Luck

[Miserere in reply to jarn]

Many thanks, Jarn - I have a small bottle so will try. Happy to put up with the smell if it works!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I have an allergic reaction to commercial wheat starch - which disappears at higher doses. Currently enjoying a few of the usually forbidden goodies because I'm needing more pred for a longlasting quite severe flare so don't develop the usual very itchy rash!!!

[Miserere in reply to PMRpro]

I'll just wait it out and maybe get a cooling pillow so I can get some more sleep. Now I think about it I could sleep well on a higher dose.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Miserere]

It is all a balance.

[Rosbud]

I’ve found that my psoriasis is coming back as I reduce c

[Miserere in reply to Rosbud]

It's a shame there is such a bad side to steroids as they really do seem improve a multitude of things.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Miserere]

I have no identifiable adverse effects with pred. Most can be mitigated or managed.

[Predsharer]

My psoriasis in my hair is coming back as I reduce the Pred. I had it for years prior to PMR and just managed it as best I could without steroid ointment. It went within 24 hours of starting Pred! I think a pillow with natural filling is recommended, together with a silk pillow slip, but they are quite expensive.

[Miserere in reply to Predsharer]

I am looking at different pillows now, Preds sharer - wool is worth a try but there are so many

[jarn in reply to Predsharer]

Further to my response earlier, I tried Tea Tree Oil (stinky), and seemed to work. I, too, had it on my scalp. So far so good............

[Sharitone]

My lifelong eczema has cleared up with pred, and the hayfever, so I guess they will come back when the pred stops. I take it you have tried all the usual sensitive scalp shampoos? I never found one that didn't cause itchiness until recently when I tried a 'hypersensitive' bar shampoo, which actually hasn't caused any itching.

[Joan-E-D]

I had Psoriasis before PMR and it all but disappeared whilst I was on Pred. until I got down to about 2 mg. Then it started again. I've been in remission from PMR for almost 2 years now but the Psoriasis is back with me, as is the previous IBS, to some extent, which had disappeared whilst I was on Pred.

[Miserere in reply to Joan-E-D]

Hi Joan - I was at 8mg when I noticed the eczema/psoriasis returning - it seems worse at nights when the head gets warm. I also am noticing the IBS returning as well - oh, joy! If only someone could invent a steroid without the side effects ...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Miserere]

Are they sure it is PMR? There are inflammatory arthritides linked to IBS symptoms and psoriasis.

[Miserere]

Hmm ... I was diagnosed by telephone, as we all seem to be nowadays. I have had two blood tests - first showed raised CRP, second was normal. I don't know the answer or how to find out. I know I still need to reduce steroids gradually otherwise I run into problems. I am sincerely hoping this is not RA. My main symptom is constipation and bloating - no colitis of any sort. I am thinking of changing my healthy (restricted) diet to more whole grains and legumes. A nutritionist has recommended high protein, low carb plus supplements. I am beginning to think that I still need higher fibre and whole grains. I am restricted by a knee injury at present so exercise is minimal - this does not help - so a balance needs to be retrieved.