How To Treat Atopic Dermatitis

Oral Corticosteroids

Prednisone and other oral corticosteroids suppress the immune system, and they are currently recommended only as a last resort. Doctors may need to prescribe these drugs for a short time if a patient is experiencing an acute, severe flare-up, and they are also considered for use as a short-term bridge therapy to other non-steroid treatments. If oral corticosteroids are used for more than a month, potentially serious side effects could occur. For example, patients could notice weight gain or hair loss, and they might also have high blood pressure, glaucoma, cataracts, irregular menstruation, and an increase in infections. Pediatric patients on these medications could have stunted growth. Individuals using oral corticosteroids will need to work with their healthcare team to taper the dosage over time so they can transition to other forms of treatment. Since these drugs suppress the immune system, patients may need to avoid individuals with colds and other infections while they are receiving treatment.