Prednisone's Effects on Tanning and Long-Term Skin Health

The Effects of Prednisone on Tanning and Sun Exposure

Prednisone is a common steroid medication that is used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. It works by reducing inflammation in the body and suppressing the immune system. However, prednisone comes with a range of potential side effects, one of which is increased sensitivity to the sun and susceptibility to sunburn.

For those who use tanning beds regularly or spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun, prednisone can pose some particular risks when it comes to sun exposure and tanning. Understanding the connection between prednisone and sun sensitivity is important for managing medication side effects and protecting your skin.

How Prednisone Increases Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity refers to skin sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or artificial light sources like tanning beds. Prednisone causes photosensitivity by thinning the outer layer of the skin, causing more UV rays to penetrate the deeper layers.

In addition, prednisone suppresses the immune system and inhibits the inflammatory response. This prevents the skin from mounting its normal defense against sun damage such as tanning and thickening to protect itself from UV rays. With prednisone, the skin is unable to tan as quickly or effectively.

Higher doses of prednisone over longer periods of time increase the risk of photosensitivity. Even after finishing a course of steroids, the skin can remain sensitive to sunlight for weeks or months afterwards while the body rebalances itself.

Photosensitivity Symptoms

The main symptom of prednisone-induced photosensitivity is a severe sunburn after relatively mild sun exposure. Unlike a regular sunburn where the skin turns pink or red, prednisone sunburn often leads to swelling, blisters, itching, and peeling.

Other symptoms may include:

• Rapid burning sensation after sun exposure
• Excessive redness or dark tanning
• Hives or rash in sun-exposed areas
• Hyperpigmentation (dark spots) after a sunburn

In addition to the skin, prednisone photosensitivity can affect the eyes. Prolonged sunlight exposure can lead to eyelid inflammation, blurred vision, headaches, and eye pain.

Risks of Tanning Beds on Prednisone

Using a tanning bed while taking prednisone puts you at an even higher risk of photosensitivity reactions. Tanning beds give off primarily UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin cells and can cause severe damage.

In addition, tanning beds expose you to intensive UV radiation in a short period of time. A single tanning session can deliver up to 12 times as much UVA as the midday sun. This intensity makes it very likely that prednisone users will experience burns after using a tanning bed.

Repeated tanning bed use can also accelerate prednisone side effects like skin thinning, dryness, bruising, and stretch marks. The artificial UV light can worsen existing conditions caused by prednisone like rashes, vitiligo, and skin infections.

Precautions for Sun and Tanning Bed Exposure

If you take prednisone and plan to spend time in the sun or use a tanning bed, here are some important precautions to take:

• Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (10am-2pm)
• Wear tightly woven, UV protective clothing like hats and long sleeves
• Apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen generously before sun exposure and reapply often
• Wear UV filtering sunglasses
• Stay in the shade as much as possible
• Avoid reflective surfaces which can reflect up to 85% of UV radiation
• Skip the tanning bed entirely
• Consider using a sunless self-tanning lotion to avoid UV exposure if you want a tan

In addition, talk to your doctor about any required dosage changes or additional precautions if you are planning prolonged sun exposure like a beach vacation. Never stop or alter prednisone dosing without medical supervision.

Treating Prednisone Sunburn

If you do get a prednisone-induced sunburn, treat it gently just like a regular sunburn:

• Take over-the-counter pain medication for discomfort.
• Apply soothing aloe vera gel multiple times per day.
• Cool the skin with cool compresses or cool baths.
• Keep the skin hydrated with fragrance-free moisturizers.
• Avoid irritating the skin with harsh soaps, rubbing, or scrubbing.
• Try over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to reduce swelling and itching.
• See a doctor immediately if you experience fever, chills, nausea, blistering, or severe pain.

Long-Term Effects of Prednisone on Skin Health and Appearance

In addition to causing photosensitivity, long-term use of prednisone also comes with other implications for your skin's health and appearance. Some potential long-term prednisone skin side effects include:

Skin Thinning

Prednisone decreases collagen production in the skin which leads to abnormal thinning of the skin layers. This thinning effect makes the skin extremely fragile and susceptible to tearing, bruising, and slow healing.

Stretch Marks

Thin prednisone skin is prone to stretch marks from even small amounts of weight gain or muscle development. Stretch marks often initially appear reddish or purplish then turn white over time.

Easy Bruising

With thinner skin and impaired collagen, prednisone users bruise very easily from even minor bumps and trauma. Bruises may be larger and darker than normal.

Impaired Wound Healing

Wounds and cuts heal slower than normal on prednisone due to decreased collagen in the skin and immune suppression. This makes users more vulnerable to infections, scarring, and other complications.

Skin Dryness

Prednisone can significantly decrease natural oil (sebum) production leading to dry, scaly, flaky, cracked, and itchy skin all over the body.

Acne

For some prednisone users, the medication causes acne breakouts on the face, back, and chest due to changes it causes in oil glands and hormone regulation.

Hair Growth

Some people on prednisone experience increased hair growth on the body, arms, legs, and face. In contrast, prednisone may cause hair thinning of the scalp.

Skin Discoloration

Prednisone may cause patches of darker and lighter skin, especially in folds like the armpits and groin. It may also worsen vitiligo, causing depigmented white patches to appear on the skin.

Long-Term Care for Prednisone Skin Changes

If prednisone is causing bothersome skin side effects, discuss options with your doctor such as dosage changes, topical treatments, or complementary medications. For example, non-steroid cream medications are sometimes prescribed to counteract skin thinning.

To help manage symptoms at home:

• Use rich moisturizers like petrolatum-based ointments to improve skin hydration.
• Avoid irritants like fragrances, harsh soaps, and scrubs.
• Wear loose clothing to avoid scraping delicate skin.
• Handle skin gently and avoid picking, popping or peeling skin.
• Apply sunscreen daily to prevent further photodamage.
• Consider using makeup to conceal skin changes.
• Eat collagen-boosting foods like bone broth, citrus fruits, eggs, and berries.

Skin changes from prednisone often improve gradually after the medication is stopped. However, some people have long-lasting skin effects even after prednisone withdrawal. Working closely with your doctor and dermatologist can help you find solutions for managing prednisone-related skin problems.

The Bottom Line

Prednisone can significantly increase photosensitivity and risk of sunburn, making sun protection extremely important during treatment. Tanning bed use should be completely avoided. In the long run, prednisone can have many detrimental effects on skin health like thinning, stretch marks, and discoloration.

Awareness of prednisone's influence on your skin is key for avoiding sun overexposure and addressing any changes that occur. With proper caution and skin care, the negative effects of prednisone on tanning and skin health can be minimized.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.