I have been taking prednisone to alleviate giant cell arteritis. I have developed a very itchy rash. I am unable to stop the itching? What are your suggestions for controlling or eliminating the rash and the itching?
How do I relieve itching and rash associated with reaction to prednisone?
Question posted by ijps on 14 March 2016
Last updated on 30 November 2022 by Gloria Harris
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
3 Answers
Gloria Harris
30 Nov 2022
What is a home remedy for hives that won't go away!!
AlonnahJames5
23 Sep 2018
I take prednisone and I have a bad itch. What can I do or take to stop it.
canaryrow
29 May 2016
Some people may get secondary skin infections related to using steroids or antiinfectives. Steroids just generally reduce our bodies' normal responses to resist infection by normal stuff we encounter, everyday. Similar can happen from antiinfectives; while taking care of the infection they are treating, they sometimes throw the body's pH balance out control. That lost balance allows overgrowth of other bacteria, viruses... that are present.
To naturally stop itchy responses ( I have a lot of allergies) I have had a lot of success using both hot and cold showers/baths. It helps to stop/brake the histamine response your body is producing.
#Don't do baths if you have any open skin/wounds.
I also frequently use disolved baking soda 1/2 cup per liter water or 1/4 vineger 3/4 water solutions applied to irritated skin with clean cloths.
On small areas of irritated bites/stings I've found applying dabs of amonia helps stop the need to scratch/ rub.
Immediate and short-term application of an icecube will slow blood/histamine to localized areas.
If you have to be on prednisone or antibiotics talk to your doctor about boosting "good bacterial" with natural "plain yogurts" or taking a good probiotics.
Avoid using anything scented on your skin; initially on my open skin sores doctors prescribed "plain Crisco." Now, I use plain mineral oil.
Initially, I had full body giant cell vasculitis with a lot of open tissue but, not from prednisone. Mine was from an antibiotic. That initial allergic response triggered multiple mass and cross-related reactions to other drugs and foods... I had to be on prednisone for almost one year. For me prednisone remains my go to "rescue" drug. If that stops working I'll be in trouble.
Hope some of this helps.
GCA13
5 June 2016
I have had GCA for 2 1/2 yrs. now and had some luck with probiotics, try taking a large dose
everyday.
Related topics
giant cell arteritis, pruritus, skin rash, prednisone, reaction
Further information
- Prednisone uses and safety info
- Prednisone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Prednisone (detailed)
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