What Are the Side Effects of Steroid Used in Psoriasis Treatment?

If you have psoriasis, one treatment your dermatologist may recommend is steroids. Steroid treatment can be extremely effective, but it does carry side effects that patients should be aware of. Topical, oral, and injected steroids may all be used by dermatologists to treat psoriasis.

Topical steroids are usually the mildest and cause the least side effects. Potential side effects include easy bruising, thinning skin, and changes in pigmentation. Injectable steroids and oral steroids can cause excessive hunger, fatigue, bone loss, poor wound healing, and acne. Injectable and oral steroids are used sparingly for psoriasis because of the side effects, and your dermatologist will carefully weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing them to you. Whatever kind of steroids you take, never stop them abruptly and follow your dermatologist’s instructions carefully.

Don’t let a psoriasis flare-up impact your life. At Arlington Dermatology, we can help you find a treatment that alleviates your symptoms safely. You can learn more about psoriasis treatment in Arlington Heights by calling 847-392-5440.