Prednisone is a corticosteroid, used for inhibiting the normal functioning of your immune cells. Such suppression is required for the treatment of allergies – chiefly, adverse reactions and discomforts triggered by autoimmune conditions. Essential ingredients of prednisone are known to moderate the typical response of your body to likely threats of allergens like dust, pollen, mites or dander. As this med is not taken through over the counter (OTC) route, you are advised to take under the supervision of your treating doctor. But, can you take prednisone for treating poison ivy? It is a key thing to have added details.
Prednisone/PrednisoloneSteroid-based meds – like prednisone, are administered for treating welling/inflammation, itchiness and other allergic conditions. Prednisone is a widely used corticosteroid. Owing to its anti-allergic properties, it is a popular drug for managing skin problems (due to allergies) and for the treatment of allergic reactions.
Can I use Prednisone for treatment of poison ivy?
Poison ivy’s botanical name is Toxicodendron radicans; it grows quite commonly in US. Sap of this plant is known to trigger allergies such as rashes, itchiness, discoloration, swelling, blister formation, etc. This condition is broadly labelled as contact dermatitis. In some cases, rashes on skin may occur when pets (exposed to poison ivy) rub their skin against yours. Allergies are known to spread quickly through clippings of the plant; you may get in touch with them as you clean the bins of lawn mowers.
Allergies caused exposure to poison ivy can be treated with corticosteroids. Prednisone is commonly used for treating such allergies. Such steroidal meds are widely administered if 8% of the skin is infected with rashes. Your caregiver may prescribe prednisone if your facial parts or genitals are infected by an exposure to this plant.
In a few rare instances, infections may be triggered caused by bacteria; here, your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic. Topical versions of corticosteroids are also used – mainly to reduce reddening of skin and / or severe level of itchiness. Stronger dosages of topical creams/lotions are avoided as these may lead to thinning down of your skin. Injections of steroidal meds are administered only for acute forms of allergies; injections remain a natural choice for patients who cannot take oral tablets or pills.
How to use prednisone in a safe manner?
You need to know that OTC-forms of steroids (like hydrocortisone) available as lotions/creams may not be as potent as prescribed, topical meds. Hence, such OTC meds may not be effective for the treatment of acute forms of skin conditions like discoloration, rashes or itchiness.
two people with allergic conditions are prescribed with a similar treatment plan. Plans vary even when two individuals experience the very same signs. Your plan depends upon your weight, age, gender, severity of your condition as well as pre-existing illnesses, if any. As a precautionary measure, those who are allergic to essential ingredients of prednisone need to inform their caregiver of prior episodes.
Prednisone may cause some adverse reactions and side effects. Commonly observed side effects are blurring of eyesight, mental problems such as depression, weird dreams, being anxious, restless, etc. Beware of its intake for a stretched period; long term plans can cause damage of bones/bone loss or stunted growth in children. So, never take prednisone without the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Last but not least, it is important to take prednisone till your caregiving team tell you to stop. A sudden discontinuation may trigger withdrawal symptoms; these may show up in those who have been taking this med for a longer time. Signs of withdrawal of prednisone include spells of migraines, severe episodes of headache, involuntary shaking of the body, etc. If you experience any of these aforesaid discomforts, seek medical support without much delay.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.
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