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Posted 1/5/2008 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
Bratcat has stretch marks around her waist/hip area. They are vertical and very noticeable. When we were at the doctor last week, the PA said it is not uncommon as a side effect of the prednisone bloating. She said that some people are more likely to get stretch marks due to genetics/heredity. I also mentioned it to the doctor during the weekly phone call yesterday. He agreed and said that they should diminish as the prednisone wears off. Bratcat is tapering very slowly and is down to 7.5 mg a day. I suggested (and the PA and pharmacist agree) that she should use Vitamin E cream. (I remember that was suggested when I was pregnant.)

It seems this round of prednisone brought on all the usual side effects faster and more pronounced--breakouts, facial hair, aches, moon face, etc.

Bratcat would like to know if anyone else has had issues with stretch marks?

Posted 1/5/2008 4:44 AM (GMT 0)
Believe it or not, I got stretch marks in the middle of my back! They've faded away now, but it was a very strange place to get them.
Posted 1/5/2008 5:31 AM (GMT 0)
Oh yes, I have long, deep, vertical striations on my stomach as well from being on Prednisone. I've been off the Pred for over a year and they are just starting to fade some. I also have some on my breasts and thighs--but they are most pronounced on my stomach. Another wonderful side effect from Prednisone. eyes

I did not try Vit E, hope that works for Bratcat.
Posted 1/5/2008 6:24 AM (GMT 0)
I never got them, but I have also heard that pred can cause this.

:)
Posted 1/5/2008 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
I started getting them when i was 19 and very skinny! They do fade. THe color goes away but there was still a faint bump. Once the pred water weight starts coming off the fading should start too.
Posted 1/5/2008 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I was going to ask that question too...I have had stretch marks from Prednisone. I was on the highest dosage plus hydrocortisone while being hospitalized 5 times this year.  I have NEVER had stretch marks in my life..There are over the counter medications like mederma, maybe this would help...If I find something I'll let you know...
Posted 1/5/2008 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
From what I understand, stretch marks fade (mine took about a year) but they will always be there. I remember after I had my last baby, I asked my OB about them and the nurse suggested I start saving for plastic surgery :)
Posted 1/5/2008 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
Please tell Bratcat that one can get stretch marks in stomach/hip area from ordinary weight gain. It happened to me in my late teen yrs-- way before I developed UC. Over time they get lighter; then, of course, we age & the skin starts to flab, another issue we can sigh over & apply more skin lotions trying to make it look better. That's basically what life does to us all. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])
Posted 1/5/2008 5:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for your replies. It's nice(?) to know that several others have had this side effect. I've explained that she will probably never lose her stretch marks permanently. She's fine with that (luckily she isn't extraordinarily body conscience for a teenager). These stretch marks she has now are very noticeable.  We will see how the Vitamin E works. In the meantime, at least her UC seems to be coming under control.

Posted 1/5/2008 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
i got what we thought were stretch marks, but when i went to my current doc, he said they weren't, they were actually from being on too much pred.  mine are actually deep and have scarred under my arms and upper thighs along with my belly.  they do look like stretch marks on my legs, but i have divits under my arms.  they've been there for 8 years and have faded in color.  the good news is that i never got any new ones from being pregnant!
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