From the Guidelines
Prednisone can cause facial flushing as a side effect in some patients, as evidenced by the potential adverse effects listed for systemic corticosteroids, including facial flushing, in the expert panel report 3 (epr-3) guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma-summary report 2007 1. This flushing typically appears as redness in the face, neck, or upper chest and may feel warm or hot. The flushing occurs because prednisone affects blood vessel dilation and can alter how your body regulates temperature. Some key points to consider when managing prednisone-induced flushing include:
- Avoiding triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, hot beverages, and extreme temperature changes
- Staying hydrated
- Applying cool compresses to reduce symptoms
- The flushing is usually temporary and will subside as your body adjusts to the medication or after you complete your course of treatment However, if the flushing is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, or swelling, contact your healthcare provider immediately as this could indicate an allergic reaction. Never stop taking prednisone abruptly without medical guidance, as this can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, instead, follow your prescribed tapering schedule and discuss any concerning side effects with your doctor, as suggested by the guidelines for managing asthma and its treatment 1.
From the Research
Prednisone Induced Flushing
- Flushing is a common condition characterized by a sensation of warmth accompanied by erythema, often seen on the face, and can be caused by various conditions and drugs, including prednisone 2, 3.
- The exact mechanism of prednisone-induced flushing is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to changes in cutaneous blood flow triggered by the medication.
- Studies have shown that prednisone can cause flushing in some patients, particularly those with antihistamine-resistant chronic urticaria 4.
- In one study, nearly 50% of patients with chronic urticaria responded to a short course of prednisone, with some patients experiencing remission of the disease and subsequent control with antihistamines only 4.
- However, prednisone-induced flushing is not a well-documented side effect, and more research is needed to fully understand its causes and consequences.
Management of Prednisone-Induced Flushing
- There is no specific treatment for prednisone-induced flushing, but managing the underlying condition for which prednisone is being used can help alleviate symptoms.
- In some cases, adjusting the dose of prednisone or switching to a different medication may be necessary to minimize side effects, including flushing 5, 6.
- Patients experiencing flushing while taking prednisone should consult their healthcare provider to discuss potential treatment options and determine the best course of action.