Treatment regime

[talkhealthmaddy]

When given a reducing regime of steroid treatment (eg 1 month daily 1 month alternate days then twice weekly) is it assumed that symptoms should be fully resolved before dropping down in frequency? Should the patient drop down in frequency sooner than 1 month if symptoms have resolved? Should they continue daily treatment daily beyond 1 month if symptoms persist? Is continued improvement expected at alternate days or twice weekly?

[Dr Nevianna Bordet]

Thank you for your post. Each patient is different. Their severity of disease when we start topical steroid treatment is different, they may be applying the treatment differently, and their LS can respond slower or quicker to treatment. In general, most patient see a considerable improvement when they start using a potent topical steroid such as Clobetasol propionate daily and after daily use for 1 month there is a noticeable improvement. However, most still have some itch or soreness from time to time. When used alternate days the itch or discomfort typically continues to improve and by the 3rd month then they are using the treatment twice per week they are a lot better than at the start. Some patients have no symptoms after 3 months but most can still get itch or discomfort (a flare up) now and then and then we can use a shortened version of the 3 monthly weaning regime e.g. once daily for 1 week then alternate days 1 week then back to twice weekly. Butneveryone is individual so if you are concerned about how your treatment is affecting you, please see your doctor.