When would prednisolone be used?
This would be prescribed when eczema flares badly to get it quickly under control. Eczema inflammation can be dramatic and widespread with added infection causing problems. Eczema can become quite severe over only a few days and it is in this situation that it is likely to be used. Side effects: There are many side effects that mean that prednisolone should only be used for short courses and rarely for long periods of time. All the side effects are referred to being Cushingoid. The side effects are: • Mood swings • Increased appetite and weight gain • Trunkal obesity (putting on weight behind the neck in a buffalo hump and on the chest and abdomen) • Diabetes • Raised blood pressure • Osteoporosis – leading to fractures particularly of the vertebrae and hips • Thinning of the skin, easy bruising, striae • Telangiectasia of the face – prominent red blood vessels • Proximal myopathy – weakness of arms and legs with difficulty raising arms above head and getting out of a chair Tests • Blo
