I know that taking Prednisone for the long term is dangerous. I just wondered if it could help if taken for a short period of time and how long it would take before I see results.
I was wondering if Prednisone could help clear up an acute case of acne?
Question posted by Taller on 28 April 2012
Last updated on 4 May 2012
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5 Answers
endlessPred
30 April 2012
Hello Taller. Since you have taken the prednisone be sure your doctor knows about it. Should you need a sudden surgery, have an infection or any other medical dilemma your doc has to know this because of potential complications being treated. This has a lasting effect on your immune system of three to six months. The acne may reappear with a vengeance. Hopefully it does not. But if it does, DO NOT take it again. See a dermatologist. Since the acne is infrequent does it relate to periods of high stress?
The reason why it might be used in reducing inflammation, is because an autoimmune response is overworking the endocrine system. The problem is it reduces the ability to fight infection. And that is dangeous. You can have improvement and then a rebound much worse. Without a full medical history One would not be safe to say it is ok.
A 20 mg one time tablet is a stiff dose for one day. The body does not like to be shocked like that and then immediately withdraw.
I truly encourage you to see a doctor. Give the doc your whole experience and the Doc will be able to help you. Will be curious to hear what you are told. EndlessPred(nisone)
Inactive
3 May 2012
Hi Karen, Ellen, Mary and Taller,
You've all got me scared stiff! I'm on forty mgs a day of prednisone for (long story, see new and stupid Q of mine IF ye want to read about it) an allergic reaction. I want off of Prednisone NOW!!
Lara
x
Inactive
3 May 2012
... whoops, Franklin too! Didn't mean to exclude you gurl !!
Inactive
3 May 2012
Am I gonna grow a penis and facial hair now?
Taller
3 May 2012
Haha I think you will be ok. No extra appendages or facial hair for you. I often have to take Prednisone for allergic reactions. Several times a year in fact. That is why I always have it on hand. 40 mg is normal for a reaction. It can have side affects but taking it as prescribed (not for other uses then your doc. intended. slaps my own hand ) you should be fine. Don't stop taking it sooner than prescribed because it can cause the allergic reaction to flare up and then you will have to start all over again. Trust me I know this from experience. People take this safely everyday. Don't panic from horror storys. Try to remember that in general people don't comment when something works. They come on these sites and comment or ask questions because something went wrong. ( I do this myself ) Sincerely-Taller
endlessPred
3 May 2012
Lara, really? You want off prednisone? You sure? Me, too! Ha-ha.
As I,Taller and others have said, do it just as the doc says and you will be fine. Short term done right is very helpful. If ya feel like becoming a guy you got ripped off. Those are anabolic steroids you need to get for six pack abs.
Taller, how tall are you? Just curious. Thanks for giving more info regarding your prednisone use. It still is a bad idea for vanity. Side effects mount up and unless you have looked at your liver lately (MRI or CT scan) you are really just guessing on your effects. Fatty deposits in the liver causing cerrohsis (sp?) are made with frequent high dose use. And that is why the doctor does not want you to use it for other things. It is so they can monitor liver and kidney functions.and predict immune responses in case of infection. When they don't know how much and when you take it that may jeopardize response to treatments for other ailments and bone loss, etc.
I hope you have periodic comp and CBC blood tests. Don't want you getting into trouble.
As far as treatments like nettles, poison ivy, bronchitis, for short duration do not worry about it. The body would have long periods of recovery and repair itself. The immune system has plenty of time to repair as well. Write me if you have more thoughts, Karen
Inactive
4 May 2012
Hi again Taller and Karen,
WHOA!! I planned on not taking the prednisone (cuz I'm a crabby witch from Hell) anymore, but after reading what you've written I shall soldier on, and not grow any man-parts!! If I get a moustache, one of you are gonna need to come to Michigan and wax it for me!!
Karen, I sent you a PQ, I really don't know how you do it!!!
xx
Lara
Inactive
30 April 2012
Taller, if you only get acne, once or twice a year, I would NEVER mess around with a drug as dangerous as prednisone. Seriously. It is a very nasty drug, that when necessary can be a life saver, BUT, with serious side effects that especially at your age, you do NOT need to deal with. PLEASE, don't go the prednisone way, there are many other meds out there, that are much more effective without the terrible side effects of prednisone.
I understand. I had terrible acne too, and my parents didn't even take me to a doctor. At your age, they hadn't even developed benzoyl peroxide, so believe me, there were not many choices OTC. Good luck, and be glad that you only have a breakout once or twice a year. Too many good meds OTC nowadays that you can find. Good luck!
Inactive
30 April 2012
Oops, didn't read the part where you were going out with your husband. (as my son says... my bad) head in sand, keeping it there. BUT STILL, I wouldn't use pred again for acne!
franklin8905
28 April 2012
I agree with everyone. Prednisone should help with acne - it reduces the inflammatory responses your body produces. But as a side effect it can also cause acne. Tetracycline works well, but takes awhile and can also affect your teeth. That being said, I hate the idea of using pred for this purpose. For every drug there are the potential for side effects, and with pred the side effects can be awful and long lasting... is it worth that to clear up acne? Only you can decide that.
Inactive
28 April 2012
Sweet lemon is right. You would be better to consult with your doctor. My son had this problem in his teens, & was put on tetracycline. It worked very well for him... Mary
Inactive
28 April 2012
Hullo my friend, I just googled this situation, Taller, and it would appear that steroid use can actually CAUSE acne! Now, I'm no expert, so please await a response from someone that IS an expert in this area!
Lara
x
Taller
28 April 2012
I looked it up too. It was a little confusing because some people were actualy prescribed prednisone for acne while others claimed it caused acne. Talk about confusing! I don't usualy have a problem with acne so I don't want to go on anything heavy duty. I just get a bad breakout once or twice a year. I always have prednisone on hand beacause I am prone to allergic reactions. I was hoping that maybe it would work. I may just give it a try.
Thank you Sweet Lemon and Mary for your response. It will be interesting to see if anyone on here has used it for acne. -Taller
Inactive
28 April 2012
Oh Taller, isn't that just like big pharma? Purportedly it helps, yet probably has 'acne' as a side effect!!
Give it a go, with your doc's blessing (or not) and I hope it helps!!
Lara
Taller
29 April 2012
Sweet Lemon, Mary and Franklin. Thank you for your advice. I did go ahead and take 20mg of the prednisone and 12 hours later the acne was almost all gone. I had a dinner date with my hubby and some good couples friends of ours. Vanity got the best of me. For me I am glad I did it. I do recogonize the risks that Franklin was talking about and realize that this isn't the right solution for everyone but the one time dose was worth it for me. Thanks again for the advice.- Sincerely, Taller
Inactive
3 May 2012
Hi Taller,
I just got your response this morning, for some reason. I'm very pleased that your wee acne cleared up for your date!!
Now I'm on steroids, prednisone, do ye suppose it will make the little Irish cleft in me chin (a dimple) go away? lol, just teasing you gurl.
Lara
x
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Further information
- Prednisone uses and safety info
- Prednisone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Prednisone (detailed)
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