Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi all,
I've been taking prednisone for a little more than 2 years now for PMR treatment. Started at 40 mg and now at 5.5 mg. I've had a toenail fungus issue for many years, but now my finger nails are awful as well.
Have any of you noticed that prednisone makes you more susceptible to yeast or fungal infections, and if so, what are you doing about it?
Thanks so much for such a great group,
0 likes, 4 replies
burt34192 bob73443
Posted
Steroids lower a person's immune response to infections, viral, bacterial, and also fungal. So it is understandable that your nail infections have spread or gotten worse. There are antifungal medications that your doctor can Rx.
Anhaga bob73443
Posted
I've just been reading about psoriatic arthritis and one of the symptoms (others include symptoms mimicking PMR) is nails which look like they have a fungus infection.
EileenH bob73443
Posted
I see Anhaga has already mentioned the first thing that sprang to my mind - I have just posted this somewhere else:
"Just like psoriasis, PsA can cause many nail problems and changes. These include “pitting,” or the formation of depressions in your fingernails or toenails. You may also notice your nail separating from your nail bed.
Sometimes nail dysfunctions can appear similar to fungal infections.
If your nails on either your hands or feet look discolored or have indentations, this could be a sign of psoriatic arthritis. In later stages, the nails can be crumble and may become very damaged."
PsA and PMR CAN present almost identically in the very early stages although usually there are differences later on. But several people on the forums have had rheumies who were determined to make their PMR into PsA - though equally, doctors don't always link nail problems with PsA.
Have you had your toenail fungal issues confirmed by cultures or has the diagnosis been made on the basis of appearance? If you have used "antifungal" treatments that haven't worked over many years - it would suggest maybe it isn't the right conclusion! Worth checking out with your rheumy - and getting nail cultures done if that is possible.
sparklin bob73443
Posted
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