What's a safe dosage of systemic steroids?

[wanderglobe]

Hello. I have a lip disorder called exfoliative cheilitis or factitious cheilitis. I got it by excessively licking, biting, and picking at my lips, which results in the top layer of skin being removed permanently. Unfortunately, when you leave your lips alone, they don't heal normally. Rather, they form scales or crusts that grow and they shed every few days, similar to psoriasis.

Although there is no official cure for this condition, I am tying to heal myself right now. Although I am far from cured, I seem to be making progress on my current treatment, which includes topical vitamin, occasional Aquaphor, Ibuprofen before bed, and saline solution soaks.

To take advantage of the progress that I've made, I am thinking about taking systemic (internal) steroids in conjunction with another topical medication (such as steroids or tacrolimus). My doctor doesn't seem real knowledgeable in the area of internal medicine; therefore, I need someone to recommend a dosage of steroids and the amount of time to take them. I want to be aggressive becuase this is a chronic condition that I've had for over a decade for which there is no official cure. However, I don't want to be so aggressive that I permanently harm myself. My doc and I can figure how much cream to use, but I need some advice on the systemic steroids.

Any information you could provide would be helpful. Thanks.

[wanderglobe]

I don't see any reason you can't tell me how much you take/have taken. That's not medical advice.

[wanderglobe]

I have health insurance so I don't want to pay for medical advice. I just want to know what dose other people have taken and what the side effects have been.

[Pantx]

Also, I'm on prednisone often for Lupus flares. Uh, if you don't have a sleep disorder you will once you're on steroids ;) Just sayin' it makes me climb the drapes. Seems to be a common side effect

[Pantx]

I bet if you go to a doc in the box like a CareNow click or something like that and ask if you can try a medrol dose pack of something they may RX it

[Pantx]

We cannot provide dosage information on here because we are not privy to your detailed medical history or other vital info. One of the docs on the forum might be able to. Whatever you do if you decide to take prednisone be very careful and please do not stay on them long and do not stop suddenly if you're on them longer than a weak. Steroids have very negative effects on the body so please don't self-treat by acquiring someone elses steroids. steroids can kill you