PMR and Psoriasis

Posted , 9 users are following.

Hello all. I was diagnosed with PMR in January currently at 9.5mg Pred. I have now developed Psoriasis (not too badly when I see how some are affected). I just wonder if they could be connected, both being auto immune diseases? Anyone else had this?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi, I've been on steroids for a year and a half and recently developed a rash on my face, almost like acne. I've read that this is a side effect of prednisolone and maybe your skin reaction is due to that too. I've treated the rash as if it were acne but basically keep it cleansed and moisturised, then going back to tapering!

  • Posted

    Although I haven't had either acne or psoriasis your post has made me wonder. I have been on Pred for 3.5 years and am currently on my way down again , at 7mg, after a recent flare. At the end of the first summer after starting Pred in May, I developed intensely itchy arms which kept me awake at night -I had to use ice packs to get any sleep. The itching slowly subsided and had gone by Christmas. Each year since has been the same. I assumed it was a reaction to the sun and my doctor had no idea - he gave me liquid paraffin as he said I had dry skin. However I am beginning to wonder if our experiences maybe linked to yet another side effect of Pred or as you say another auto immune disease.

    • Posted

      interesting Jillian...I too have Alot of itchiness, mostly on my legs, abdomen, and arms...no rashes or psoriasis, but still, very annoying!

      I hadn't given it a whole lot of thought till reading your post (I thought it was Just me!)...but now I'm wondering.😒

  • Posted

    They may be connected - but even more likely is that what you have may not be PMR but psoriatic arthritis and it is worth discussing that with your doctor. PsA can present very similarly to PMR and can manifest even though you have never had psoraisis in the past. The fast you now are showing it is suspicious.

    There are other drugs besides pred that will help it and probably better so it would be a good idea to air the question.

    • Posted

      Thank you Eileen. I will discuss this with my GP. My feeling is that it is PMR as it was hips and shoulders but no swelling or redness of joints and responded very well to pred. However its a good point and needs considering. Thanks again.

    • Posted

      You may NOT develop joint problems in the early stages - hence the resemblance to PMR. The same applies to late onset RA which is also a possible cause of PMR-type symptoms.

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