From the Research
Optimal Oral Prednisone Regimen for Severe Atopic Dermatitis Exacerbation
- The optimal oral prednisone regimen for a severe atopic dermatitis exacerbation is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, it is mentioned that systemic corticosteroids, such as oral prednisone, are rapidly effective for severe exacerbations, but should only be used short-term due to their many long-term side effects 2.
- A study on the rebound phenomenon to systemic corticosteroid in atopic dermatitis suggests that oral corticosteroids may exacerbate the acute phase of atopic dermatitis, mediated by IgE, accentuating the Th2 pattern in these patients 3.
- Another study discusses the use of topical corticosteroids as the first-line treatment for atopic dermatitis flare-ups, and the use of oral antihistamines is not recommended as they do not reduce pruritus 4.
- A study on the reduction of relapses of atopic dermatitis with methylprednisolone aceponate cream twice weekly in addition to maintenance treatment with emollient found that this treatment regimen significantly reduces the risk of relapse and the intensity of itching, and improves the overall patient status 5.
Key Considerations
- Systemic corticosteroids, such as oral prednisone, should only be used short-term for severe exacerbations due to their many long-term side effects 2.
- The use of oral corticosteroids may exacerbate the acute phase of atopic dermatitis, and alternative treatments such as topical corticosteroids and emollients should be considered 3, 4, 5.
- Maintenance therapy with emollients and topical corticosteroids can help reduce the risk of relapse and improve patient outcomes 4, 5.