Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 21-year-old male. Five years ago, I began taking Betamethasone 0.5 mg for asthma. After five to six months, I experienced body swelling, and my face developed a darker complexion after two years of using the medication. I gradually reduced the dosage of the medication, and my body swelling improved. However, the discoloration of my face remains unchanged. I have consulted several dermatologists, but none have been able to provide effective treatment. They believe the change in my face color is due to a sun tan and that medications do not affect facial coloration. I have since started using an inhaler for my asthma.
Please suggest.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
You might be experiencing a cushingoid appearance with steroid facies. Please send a few photographs of your face taken in natural light.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
What is the treatment for this condition? You are the only one who has been able to provide me with information about it. I am attaching a photo as you requested.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The photo (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity) confirms my diagnosis.
How long has it been since you stopped taking the medication? Are you currently using any other form of steroid? If so, please provide details about the drug and its dosage. Additionally, what other treatments have you tried?
Please respond.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
Yes, I have stopped taking Betamethasone tablets for the past three years. If I get exhausted, I sometimes take Betamethasone once or twice a month. For my facial skin issues, I used a sunscreen gel and Kojic skin lightening cream as suggested by a dermatologist who may not be fully aware of my actual problem. However, I stopped using them after 20 to 25 days due to a lack of improvement. Whenever I experience difficulty breathing, I use Salbutamol and a combination capsule of Formoterol and Budesonide.
I take these medications when there is a change in the environment, such as the onset of the rainy or winter season, or after consuming oily food.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I suggest you start taking one Prednisolone tablet daily for ten days and apply sunscreen three times a day. I have prescribed a steroid to improve your skin tone, and it may take three to four months to see results. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicines with their consent.
Revert after one month.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
I have been taking Prednisolone 40 mg for the past 34 days, as you suggested. Since starting the medication, I have noticed several changes: constipation and occasional loose stools, a few drops of blood in my stool, mucus in my stool, and abdominal pain. My face remains very oily even after washing it with soap for 25 minutes. It quickly becomes oily again, and I have observed a few pores around my cheeks. Additionally, there are some red spots on my chest.
Is this medication working, or could these symptoms be side effects of the medication? How should I continue taking Prednisolone in the coming months?
Please suggest.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, you are experiencing side effects. Please take Prednisolone 30 mg daily for 15 days, then reduce to 15 mg daily for the next 15 days. Follow this with 10 mg daily for 15 days, and finally 5 mg daily for 15 days. After this period, stop the medication completely.
Take care.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
I have taken all the medicines you prescribed, but none of them worked. Is there any facial test I should get done? I also have significant dark circles around my eyes. My friends have mentioned that my eyes appear more sunken compared to my face.
Could you please suggest any treatment for my dark circles?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern, but it may take years for the skin to return to its normal texture. For periorbital hyperpigmentation, use an under-eye cream twice daily, drink plenty of water, and engage in regular exercise.
Nevertheless, I recommend visiting a reputable local dermatologist, as a physical examination is crucial for a proper diagnosis. There is no specific skin test for this condition. While a biopsy can be performed, it may not provide useful results.
I hope this helps.
Regards.
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Answered byDr. Atishay Bukharia
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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