Taking high to medium doses of steroids, prednisone, rash across stomach, buttocks, upper thighs. Is there a cause for this?
Patient: I have been taking high to medium doses of steroids for hives over a four month period in conjunction with antihistamines. I am currently taking 15mg of prednisone per day and 100mg of atarax. I am trying to ween off the prednisone for the fifth or sixth time. Everytime I do I develop a rash mainly across my stomach, buttocks and  upper thighs. Is there a cause for this? I have pretty much every side effect from the prednisone, eye problems, weight gain (30 pounds), buffalo hump, etc. Should I be tested for Cushings Syndrome? Will these side effects go away after treatment if I can ever stop the steroids?Thank you. Doctor: Hi, thanks for posting to H.C.M.C. The main problems are hives for which you are taking tt.  No doubt  prednisolone is a best remedy for urticaria ( hives) but only in emergency that too for one or two days ( even more days, if condition).  The side effects of this drugs are intolerable & very dangerous. Buffalo hump, eye problems , swelling over face , gain of weight all are related to pred.  Your's outlook resembles like a patient of Cushing's Syndrome , but you haven't this disease because your's symptoms are due to pred's side effects. You need not to be checked for Cushing's Syndrome.  Now "Q" is treatment of hives , get a blood examination , stool examination, urine .  If eosinophils are if high take tt accrdingy. If worm infestation tt accordingly. If urine inf accordingly.  You can change antihistaminic medicine also, more potent.  I think you will get benefits  from these things. Good luck . Dr HET