Explore Other Treatments
Highlights
- Fast itch relief within 1-2 days
- Reduces flare risk by 87% when used twice weekly
- As effective as tacrolimus for overall improvement
- Better than tacrolimus for reducing itch and improving sleep
- Needs to be tapered after chronic use
- Increased risk of infections
Oral prednisolone is not recommended as a first-line treatment for severe adult eczema. In a direct comparison study, ciclosporin was found to be significantly more effective than prednisolone for treating severe eczema in adults.
| Study Summary | Study Type | Studied Population | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
|
đź“„
Ciclosporin was found to be more effective than prednisolone for treating severe eczema in adults. Only 1 out of 21 patients on prednisolone achieved stable improvement compared to 6 out of 17 patients on ciclosporin. The study was stopped early due to many patients on prednisolone experiencing significant worsening of their eczema.
|
Randomized Controlled Trial |
Total Patients: 38
|
Ciclosporin was significantly more effective than prednisolone |
Ciclosporin was found to be more effective than prednisolone for treating severe eczema in adults. Only 1 out of 21 patients on prednisolone achieved stable improvement compared to 6 out of 17 patients on ciclosporin. The study was stopped early due to many patients on prednisolone experiencing significant worsening of their eczema.
Prednisolone vs. ciclosporin for severe adult eczema. An investigator-initiated double-blind placebo-controlled multicentre trialTopical forms of prednisolone (like methylprednisolone aceponate) can be effective for treating eczema flares and preventing relapses. When used twice weekly along with moisturizers, it reduced the risk of flares by 87% over 16 weeks.
| Study Summary | Study Type | Studied Population | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
|
đź“„
Using methylprednisolone aceponate cream twice weekly along with moisturizer was more effective at preventing eczema flares than using moisturizer alone. After 16 weeks, 87.1% of patients using the steroid cream remained free from flares compared to 65.8% using just moisturizer.
|
Randomized Controlled Trial |
Total Patients: 249
|
Patients using the steroid cream were 3.5 times less likely to experience a relapse |
Using methylprednisolone aceponate cream twice weekly along with moisturizer was more effective at preventing eczema flares than using moisturizer alone. After 16 weeks, 87.1% of patients using the steroid cream remained free from flares compared to 65.8% using just moisturizer.
Reduction of relapses of atopic dermatitis with methylprednisolone aceponate cream twice weekly in addition to maintenance treatment with emollient: a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, controlled studyTopical methylprednisolone aceponate provides fast itch relief, with patients experiencing significant reduction in itching within 1-2 days of starting treatment.
| Study Summary | Study Type | Studied Population | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
|
đź“„
In a study of experimental eczema caused by nickel allergy, methylprednisolone aceponate (a topical corticosteroid) provided fast itch relief. On average, significant itch relief was achieved within 1 day of treatment.
|
Clinical Trial |
Total Patients: 16
Severity: not available Age: not available
|
Treatment provided fast and effective itch relief |
In a study of experimental eczema caused by nickel allergy, methylprednisolone aceponate (a topical corticosteroid) provided fast itch relief. On average, significant itch relief was achieved within 1 day of treatment.
Fast itch relief in an experimental model for methylprednisolone aceponate topical corticosteroid activity, based on allergic contact eczema to nickel sulphateIn children and adolescents with severe eczema, topical methylprednisolone aceponate 0.1% was found to be as effective as tacrolimus 0.03% for overall improvement, and better for reducing itch and improving sleep. It also had fewer side effects and lower cost.
| Study Summary | Study Type | Studied Population | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
|
đź“„
Both methylprednisolone aceponate 0.1% ointment and tacrolimus 0.03% ointment were effective in treating severe atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents. Methylprednisolone showed better results for reducing itch and improving sleep, and was more cost-effective.
|
Randomized Controlled Trial |
Total Patients: 265
Severity: severe to very severe Age: children and adolescents
|
Both treatments were equally effective in achieving clear or almost clear skin |
Both methylprednisolone aceponate 0.1% ointment and tacrolimus 0.03% ointment were effective in treating severe atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents. Methylprednisolone showed better results for reducing itch and improving sleep, and was more cost-effective.
Efficacy and safety of methylprednisolone aceponate ointment 0.1% compared to tacrolimus 0.03% in children and adolescents with an acute flare of severe atopic dermatitisIs Prednisone Right For Me?
-
You have moderate to severe atopic dermatitis that needs quick control
-
You're experiencing a severe allergic reaction
-
You need short-term relief from severe inflammation
-
Your other treatments aren't providing enough control of your symptoms
Interested in eczema products?
As a member of the Lemma Health community, you'll stay up to date with research, hear about new products, and get exclusive access to discounts.
How Lemma Health Works
Discover effective treatments
Fill out a 3 minute questionnaire to find evidence-based treatments that work for you.
Meet your provider
Consult with a board-certified dermatologist. Discuss your treatment options and receive prescriptions.
Get treatment
Treatments are delivered to your door. Free of charge, of course.
Receive ongoing care
Your treatment team is available 7 days a week for questions, support, and guidance.
Ready?
Your journey with lemma health
Discover effective treatments with board‑certified dermatologists.
Get prescriptions for immediate relief.
Get your medications.
Design a plan for sustained relief with your personal care coordinator.
Experience less itch, reduced inflammation, better sleep, and improved wellbeing.
Review progress with your care team and fine-tune your plan.
Ensure that you have everything you need to maintain your relief.
Don't worry - your coordinator will remain available to you.
Enjoy 24/7/365 access to your dedicated care team.
Discover effective treatments with board‑certified dermatologists.
Get prescriptions for immediate relief.
Get your medications.
Design a plan for sustained relief with your personal care coordinator.
Experience less itch, reduced inflammation, better sleep, and improved wellbeing.
Enjoy 24/7/365 access to your dedicated care team.
Ensure that you have everything you need to maintain your relief.
Don't worry - your coordinator will remain available to you.
Review progress with your care team and fine-tune your plan.
Illustrative journey. Individual timelines and results may vary.
Ready for better skin health?
At Lemma Health, we provide evidence-based skin care. Access dermatologists in all 50 states - appointments available within 3 days. Receive your medications delivered. Message your dedicated care team 24/7/365.
Eczema is more than skin deep
Join our waitlist while we set up personalized holistic eczema care.
What are other patients saying?
Got prescribed antibiotics and Prednisone for a 5-day course. I was reluctant to take it as heard it can come back worse, but it was a great decision as it calmed down my whole flare, and my skin was almost back to normal in 3-4 days.
View Sourcefor those few days, i felt a lot better... i am experiencing a bit of redness not on my eyelids specifically but closer to my temple, but still close to my eye area... it's itchy and red on and off... the dr said no to steroids but was understanding of why i had been prescribed prednisone and she said that the rebound redness was from going cold turkey off of the 40mg with no initial taper.
View SourceAbout nine months ago, my dermatologist reluctantly put me on a strong course of Prednisone. He hadn't wanted to do it, since he (rightly) said that it was a treatment, not a cure, and that I couldn't be on a heavy dose for too long.
View Source