Prednisolone

Prednisolone is part of a group of medicines known as corticosteroids. These medicines help by reducing inflammation and calming the immune system. It's often used for various conditions, but it's particularly effective for managing severe eczema flare-ups.

Atopic eczema is a common skin condition that affects 2-10% of adults globally. While the exact cause isn't known, it's believed that a mutation in the filaggrin gene plays a role. Filaggrin is a protein essential for keeping your skin barrier intact. If there's a mutation in this gene, your skin barrier can become compromised, leading to dry, red, and itchy skin. Moisturisers and topical steroids are usually the first treatments for eczema, but in more severe cases, you might need extra treatment with oral steroids.

Steroids like prednisolone help soothe your skin by reducing inflammation. They achieve this by slowing the movement of specific inflammatory white blood cells called leukocytes, which usually cause swelling. Additionally, they prevent blood vessels from leaking, which reduces swelling, redness, and itching, and aids in skin healing. Finally, they can also suppress your immune system, which further helps relieve eczema symptoms.

Prednisolone is available in several doses: 1mg, 2.5mg, 5mg, and 25mg. There's also a 10mg option, but that's in an oral solution form. For treating eczema, you usually start with a high dose of about 20-30mg for a week. Then, you'll switch to a maintenance dose of 5mg for roughly six weeks.

There's no single 'best' treatment for eczema because everyone's condition is unique. What helps one person might not help another. Generally, the first treatment option for eczema is an emollient. Emollients are used to moisturise your skin and help repair the skin barrier, but they are most effective if your eczema is mild.

If you have more severe eczema, your doctor will probably prescribe a topical steroid. These can vary in strength, from strong ones like clobetasol to milder ones like hydrocortisone. Prednisolone is an oral steroid used to manage severe flare-ups, but it's not commonly prescribed for eczema due to its side effects. However, it can be used to quickly address flare-ups when symptoms are particularly bad, often while waiting for a thorough assessment and trying other treatment options.

Steroids are often used to manage eczema symptoms. They come in two main types: topical and oral.

Topical steroids are medications that you apply directly to your skin. They help control flare-ups and ease eczema symptoms, such as swelling and redness. These steroids come in various forms, including creams, ointments, mousses, and shampoos, and the type you use often depends on where your symptoms are located. They also come in different strengths, which are chosen based on how severe your eczema is. For instance, Dermovate is a strong steroid used for severe eczema, while Betnovate is a milder option.

Prednisolone is a steroid tablet used to manage flare-ups. Typically, you'll start with a high dose for a week, then continue with a lower dose for a few weeks.

Like all medicines, Prednisolone may lead to side effects. These can involve mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. If you notice any mental health concerns after starting Prednisolone, contact your clinician immediately. For further details on side effects, have a look at the

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Yes, it's fine to drink alcohol while you're taking Prednisolone.

Inform your clinician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is important because some of the medication can pass through the placenta and into your breast milk, potentially affecting your baby. Your clinician will assist you in determining whether taking Prednisolone is the right choice for you, considering the benefits and risks.

We make managing eczema easy. Simply answer a few questions about your health, and we'll suggest a range of personalised treatment options for you to select. After you've made your choice, we'll deliver it to you the next working day.

We also offer aftercare. This gives you full access to a clinician for a whole year starting from the first day. If you have any questions or experience flare-ups, simply reach out to your clinicians and they'll get back to you as soon as possible.