Tapering down, rash?

Hi . You must be frustrated. I hope you get some answers from the community. Have you considered seeing a dermatologist? I am not sure how quickly you could get an appointment, but it might be worth a try. You might be able to slip into a cancelation spot. Steroids do lower your immunity and can make you more susceptible to fungal and yeast infections. Both can look like a rash, usually bright red. If you think that might be it, you might want to ask your rheumatologist to prescribe some anti-fungal/-yeast cream so you can see whether it helps. Another option is to see your primary care doctor, who might recognize the rash. Unfortunately, doctors are not always well educated about the side effects of medications. You would think rheumatologists would know that prednisone use could lead to fungal and yeast infections, but many don't. I hope you get some answers and some relief. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)

I have tapered off several times, however always for less than six weeks. I tend to agree with Lori it is time to see a dermatologist. I know mine tells me all the time that skin issues can start any time in your life and might end any minute. I developed a terrible skin issue in my fifties that turned out to be a low-level infection.


I never fully get rid of it and it seems to show up twice per year like a nonworking clock. The dermatologist tells me it is not an allergic condition but rather an infection. Anyway, nothing to do with Prednisone or other biologic medications, just me. Grrr.

Update: Derm and Rheumatologist beleive the rash is a reaction to the hydrocloriquin that was repressed while I was on Prednisone. As I tapered down the Pred, my reaction to the Hydrochloriquin emerged as a rash. Ugh, I so wanted the Hydrochloriquin to work for me. Now my Pred is being upped again and I have to start over with a new drug in 4 weeks. 🙁 I feel like I'm never getting off Pred 🙁 8 weeks into my diagnosis and it's been rough.