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Prednisone & freckles?

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Posted 2/21/2012 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Does Prednisone cause freckles to, um, sprout?

I have been noticing freckles on my face for a while now - seems to coincide with when I first started prednisone, but we also took a Beach vacation at that time. I got a sunburn during that vacation (while taking pred.), so the freckles COULD just be a leftover gift from the sunburn, but I am originally from FL, and have NEVER had freckles on my face before (though I've actually always wanted some, like my sister has - lol). Anyway. Anyone?
Posted 2/21/2012 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
I'd say it's related to prednisone. While taking this stuff, you should avoid sun exposure and always wear sun screen (at least 15 SPF). I don't know if it is correlated with the fact that prednisone thinner yours skin, makes it bruise more easily or something else, I'm not an expert. But when I was on this, I came across some safety tips online (google "prednisone and sun exposure" and you'll find some info).
Posted 2/21/2012 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
prednisone is a hormone, and will have an effect on production result of them. Think pregnancy mask...over production of melanin can happen...and add sun, well...there you are.

It's cautioned that those on hormones (such as birth control, hrt, steroids either topical or systemic, artificial hormones in products, etc) to be careful in the sun because all increase sun sensitivity. The more sensitive, the more melanin that can be produced to protect for the next time.

As well...certain products such as citrus and others can increase photosensitivity as well...

Very high spf will help, but you still might get the freckles, but without the burn.

I love freckles, but without the visible sun damage one will see much later in life.

q
Posted 2/22/2012 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
I'm also on birth control, so maybe the two combined were the right combo to make me extra-sensitive to the sun. Anyway - I think they are super cute, I just don't want toooooo many more! lol =) I also am wondering if I need to have them checked out by a dermatologist or something, but I will mention all of this to my dr. the next time I'm in. Thanks for the info!
Posted 2/22/2012 8:31 PM (GMT 0)
checked out for reason of skin cancer? it's definitely skin damage since you did have a burn....just keep an eye on any wonky shapes/colours/scaly areas after it heals.

You might also consider to use a good spf..30 at least.

q
Posted 2/22/2012 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I'm sold on using SPF. I guess I mentioned getting checked out b/c I've never had freckles show up before, and now here they are in the dead of winter (the sunburn was back in Sep 2011). Just wanted to know if exposing myself to too much sun was a bad idea while on the meds (I bike 5-6 days a week) as in causing a lot of skin damage or making me more susceptible to skin cancer.

I tried to update my signature, but I can't get it to show up correctly. Sorry.
Posted 2/22/2012 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
This is what I'm trying, to no avail, to get my signature to say:

-Lialda, 4 times a day
-On my second round of a 6-week taper of Prednisone. I'm at 5 mgs right now with two weeks to go as of 2/21/12.

-I also take calcium, folic acid, probiotic, and a multi-vitamin at a dietician's suggestion.

-I am an avid cyclist! =)
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