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A rapid increase in skin extensibility due to prednisolone
Author(s) -
BURTON J.L.,
SHUSTER SAM
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1973.tb03010.x
Subject(s) - newcastle upon tyne , dermatology , prednisolone , medicine , library science , reprint , art history , art , surgery , computer science , physics , astronomy
SUMMARY We have tested the short‐term effect of prednisolone on the ability of the skin to withstand a shearing stress, using a specially designed stretching machine. A single intravenous infusion of 2 g prednisolone given to seven patients with alopecia totalis produced an increase in skin extensibility within 2 h which persisted for at least a week. This acute effect could be due to a change in dermal ground substance or to breaking of collagen crosslinks. We suggest that patients receiving very large doses of glucocorticoids should avoid undue exertion during, and for some time after, treatment, since a similar effect might occur in the connective tissue of other organs, such as the aorta.