Thinning skin symptoms and conditions

Hi All,

I was diagnosed with dermatologists when I was 14 years old and put on very high dosage of prednisone to get my disease under control (40 mg a day at the beginning). My muscle enzymes were out of control (CPK was almost 8,500 when it should be less than 215) and I was barely mobile, huge amounts of weight loss, alopecia, Raynaud's, etc. That was 11 years ago and I am now almost 100% better. Prednisone saved my life, but the side-effects were TERRIBLE! Especially for a girl going through puberty. Kids at school don't understand you're sick, and they can be extremely cruel. Luckily for me a large number of my family members are in the medical profession all over the world and my parents were able to pool knowledge to find the best treatment for me without all the horrible side effects. An uncle in Germany suggested I take a Prednisone alternative widely available in Europe called Diflazacort. This medicine is not available in the states apparently because the FDA thought it was exactly like Prednisone so was unnecessary. I'm sure this is some pharmaceutical company lobbying to preserve Prednisone's monopoly on inflammatory diseases, but regardless it makes finding Diflazacort difficult for Americans. This is a HUGE shame since this medicine gave me ALL of the benefits of Prednisone with NONE of the side effects. My mood swings, water retention, increased appetite, hazy brain, thinning skin, etc etc etc ALL stopped with Diflazacort. This wasn't only true for me either. A family friend had been diagnosed with Crohn's at the time and he was put on Diflazacort from the beginning of his treatment after seeing how I reacted to it and NEVER had any of the negative side effects I had to deal with. Really this drug was like a miracle for me. Prednisone prevented my sure death, but Diflazacort gave me my life back in its entirety. I've now been off of any steroid for 7 years and my muscles are fully back to normal. Some of the fat deposits Predinose caused still linger, but to most people's eyes I'm totally back to normal. I wish I could find everyone having problems with Prednisone side-effects and tell them about Diflazacort. Even though it isn't available in the states (although I heard recently they are trying to get it approved again since a number of studies showed Diflazacort is much more effective treating Crohn's than Prednisone is) you can get it on the internet or if you have doctor friends abroad as I did. I'm always wary of buying drugs over the internet since there's no control so I would suggest contacting doctors in Europe or Asia directly or through your doctor here in the states. Anyways, I wanted everyone to know that some people do get better and I wish you all the best of luck!

Hi All,

I was diagnosed with dermatologists when I was 14 years old and put on very high dosage of prednisone to get my disease under control (40 mg a day at the beginning). My muscle enzymes were out of control (CPK was almost 8,500 when it should be s no control so I would suggest contacting doctors in Europe or Asia directly or through your doctor here in the states. Anyways, I wanted everyone to know that some people do get better and I wish you all the best of luck!

I'm a physician. Usually Kenalog injections can be avoided and oral steroids used like prednisone. The local dimpling effect may occur if the injection is too shallow, actually there is a temporary "disolving" of the subcutaneous tissue, the muscle and joints are not damaged. It is usually viewed as a "cosmetic" adverse effect. The Kenalog injections was primarily designed for joint injection and the kenalog or similar depo form stays active in the joint for a few weeks. All steroid medications can cause irritability and this is usually temporary for a few days. Steroids can cause muscle weakness- this is usually associated with high doses for prolonged use like being on prednisone for 3 or 4 months. Steroids can have an adverse effect on menstruation, but this is usually associated with chronic use. The most serious problems with the steroids result in bone weakness(osteoporosis) and serious damage to joints like the back and hip. Steroids can also result in weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure and cataract formation. I don't think Kenalog is any different than other steroids such as Medrol or Prednisone in terms of the side effect profile. These are dangerous medications that can also be very helpful in saving lives and diminishing pain.

My Mother was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis 30 years ago. She has been on prednisone at low doses since then. About 3 years ago she started imagining things, and hallusinations. About 2 years ago her prednisone dose went up to 60mg a day due to a stroke of the optic eye nerve. She has since been tapering down, now at 15mg a day. But tapering down makes her arthritis more painful. She has developed diabetes, loss of sleep, loss of apetite, loss of muscle tone. When she gets bumped, it's a big opened gash, rather than just a bruise. With the higher dose she was more moody & would get angry easier. The hallucinations & paranoia continue & are making me more & more concerned. I haven't read about this in any of the stories. Has anyone else experienced this side effect? I spoke with her Rheumatologist who suggest a psychiatrist to prescribe anti-psychotic drugs. She's already on 11 pills a day, does she need another?
Please let me know if anyone has experienced this as well.
Thank you.

It shocks me to read all of the issues with this drug. I have only been taking it for two days and it is the best thing I have ever taken (so far). My acne, which I have had since I was 12 and now I am 30, is gone; I have completely shed all of my depression and I feel like a whole different person. My husband loves it! The only side effects that I have noticed that are negative, again I have only been taking it for two days, is sleeplessness and occational headaches. I am able to concentrate, and stay awake in class/at work. I was perscribed this med because I have an allergy to something and broke out into hives. I will only be on the med for five days, but I like the fact that I feel alive.

The purple-red bruising I've had along with the thinning skin is ecchymoses - which is listed as a possible side effect affecting 3% or so. Been off Advair 9 days and have had to use Albuterol maybe once daily.
Blood pressure is going down, also.
Going to tackle the 20 lb. weight gain next.
Hoping to see if this ecchymose will go away in the next month.

BE AFRAID--BE VERY AFRAID!

Had 3 20mg shots of Kenalog in each hip for bursitis pain on March 7th. Went back to doctor two weeks later for follow up. Bursitis pain was gone! So....he asked me to trust him and gave me two more (20mg) shots in each buttock for fibrmyalgia, even tho I reported weakness in my thighs. Had had a succession of problems since then. Legs so weak that I was unable to get up from toilet and chairs without pushing off with my hands, difficulty going up curbs, 3 upper resiratory infections in 4 weeks, extreme fatigue, depression, moon face, hair on face, thinning skin which bruises very easily, vertigo, diarreah, ankles that are grossly swollen. It's almost 5 months now, and there is some improvement in the strength in my legs; however my legs feel like Gumby legs, I bump into walls, still feel week, anke still swollen, still feel fatigue. I can walk, but find it difficult to stand for more than 2-3 minutes. Fortunately I found a doctor who practices integrative medicine and he immediately put me on adrenal support, which helped with the fatigue. I always know if I need to increase the dosage, because I cry easily (not a natural state for me) and jump at every sudden noise.
Like most of you, my doctor gave me no warning on the side effects of Kenalog. Needless to say, I've changed doctors.
I'm seeing a neurologist next week, and I hope he will be of help! It would be nice to know how long this stuff takes to get out of my system.

I sympathize with you all and wish you well.

i have been on prednisone, and other types of steroids for 6 years now,, i have all the side effects, hair thinning, skin thinning, moon face, weight gain, stopped my menstrual, rashes, legg cramps, brusing, mood swings, and on and on, , i compare this drug to cocain,,,THE BIG LIE! It will make u feel good at 1st, then sap!...anyway,, i take them, because i have constant hives,,, steroids only covers the problem up for awhile, it doesn't cure,,, honestly,, of there is another way, take it,,, try to stay off the steroids,,this is what i was told,,,depending on how long u have been on steroids, it can take up to 2 years to get out of your system, and that long to get that weight off,,it is not water weight,,, IT IS FAT, because you put it on eating,,this drug will make ur skin thin,, will bring your young body down FAST!!!! i personally have come to the conclusion to keep the hives and swellings and stop the steroids,,,,oooooo VERY IMPORTANT,,,STEROIDS, WILL AME U HEAL VERY SLOW,, SO IF U HAVE TO HAVE SURGERY,,,DENTAL WORK,,MAKE SURE U SAY SOMETHING...