Medrol and skin issues | Arthritis Information

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I've been on Medrol since summer of 2008. I've had many of the purple bruise-like discolorations on my arms and legs, but lately my skin has actually been tearing. I have band-aids all over my arms and a few on my legs. I got one cut today just rubbing my elbow on the upholstery in my car. Has anyone else had this experience. Does anyone know about anything I can do to strengthen my skin? My RD and I have tried weaning me off the Medrol several times and as soon as I get down to 4 mg I get a flare and have to go back up to 10. I've been having some serious other medical issues and the RD doesn't want to start me on another RA med until that is resolved. I'm also taking Plaquenil.   Any ideas?I've been on Medrol for several years, currently on 8 mg, and my skin bruises and tears very easily also. Case in point...not thinking, I decided to have my upper lip and eyebrows waxed this past Friday. What a mistake that was! All of the skin between my nose and my upper lip is completely gone...I have a red, scabbed, moustache! It's so bad, I didn't even go to work today, and probably won't tomorrow...don't want to scare my patients! LOL

 
I really don't know of anything that will strenghten your skin...it's just one of the many side effects of Prednisone.  :(
Brisen2009-08-24 19:23:21My thinning skin is not only related to the corticosteroids I take, but also to my age. Like Gale, I need to be very careful about using beautifying items!

The skin care cream that I have used for years suddenly became almost toxic; I have had to give up alpha-hydroxy products entirely due to my skin being so easily bruised and traumatized.

I hope you find some relief soon, let us know. Cheers, Shug


Thanks so much for responding. It helps a lot just to know others have experienced similar issues. Yikes to Gale - that must hurt a LOT. I use Eucerin (sp?) cream for dry skin and that doesn't seem to cause any other problems for me. Hi Mary, I have been using a concoction of vegetable shortening, glycerin, and olive oil that came highly recommended and has proven to be a real boon for my chronically dry and highly irritated skin.

I am so glad you have a product that works well for you.

Cheers, Shug

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