Prednisone isn’t a first-line treatment for eczema. Doctors typically prescribe it only for severe, widespread, or treatment-resistant cases. Think of it as a powerful tool for managing flare-ups that don’t respond to other therapies.
Severe Flare-Ups Requiring Prednisone
Consider prednisone if your eczema is causing significant distress. This includes intense itching leading to sleep disruption, widespread inflammation covering a large body surface area, and skin infections like secondary bacterial or viral infections. Your doctor will weigh the benefits against potential side effects based on the severity of your condition.
When Other Treatments Fail
Prednisone is often reserved for eczema that doesn’t improve with topical corticosteroids, moisturizers, or other standard treatments. If you’ve tried multiple approaches without success, your dermatologist might recommend a short course of prednisone to bring the inflammation under control. This allows other treatments to work more effectively afterwards.
Important Note on Usage
Prednisone is a systemic corticosteroid; prolonged use can cause side effects. Therefore, doctors generally prescribe it for short periods and at the lowest effective dose. Always discuss the risks and benefits with your physician before starting prednisone.
