From the Research
Treatment of Severe Eczema with Prednisone
- The use of prednisone for treating severe eczema has been evaluated in several studies, with varying conclusions regarding its efficacy and safety 1, 2.
- A study published in 2010 found that ciclosporin is significantly more efficacious than prednisolone for severe adult eczema, and that prednisolone is not recommended to induce stable remission of eczema 1.
- However, the study did not specifically address the use of 30mg of prednisone per day for 7 days without tapering, and its findings may not be directly applicable to this treatment regimen.
Tapering of Prednisone
- The question of whether prednisone should be tapered after a course of treatment is a topic of debate, with some studies suggesting that tapering may not be necessary in certain cases 3, 4.
- A study published in 1995 found that tapering of prednisone may not be needed in patients with acute exacerbations of asthma, and that a nontapering course of prednisone may be sufficient 3.
- Another study published in 2001 recommended that tapering of prednisone should be done slowly using 1 mg decrements every couple of weeks to a month, in order to minimize the risk of side effects 4.
Safety and Efficacy of Prednisone
- The safety and efficacy of prednisone for treating eczema and other inflammatory skin disorders have been evaluated in several studies, with generally positive results 5, 2.
- A study published in 2006 found that methylprednisolone aceponate is a highly effective and well-tolerated treatment for eczematous disorders, with a rapid onset of action and minimal side effects 5.
- However, a more recent study published in 2023 highlighted the potential risks of cumulative corticosteroid exposure in patients with eczema, and emphasized the need for careful prescribing practices and monitoring to minimize the risk of side effects 2.