From the Research
A typical oral prednisone tapering regimen for contact dermatitis should start with 40-60mg daily for 5-7 days, followed by a gradual reduction over 2-3 weeks, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. This gradual tapering helps prevent rebound inflammation while allowing the body's natural cortisol production to resume.
- The specific regimen should be tailored to the severity of the dermatitis and patient factors like age, weight, and comorbidities.
- During treatment, patients should avoid the triggering allergen, use moisturizers, and consider antihistamines for itching.
- Side effects may include increased appetite, mood changes, insomnia, and elevated blood glucose, which typically resolve after completing the course.
- If symptoms worsen during tapering, the dose may need adjustment under medical supervision, as suggested by 2 and 3. The most recent study 1 provides the most up-to-date guidance on the management of contact dermatitis, and its recommendations should be prioritized in clinical practice.
- Other studies, such as 4 and 5, provide additional information on the diagnosis and treatment of contact dermatitis, but their recommendations on tapering regimens are not as clear or up-to-date as those in 1. Overall, the goal of treatment is to minimize morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life, and the recommended tapering regimen should be adjusted accordingly.