How Long After Steroid Shot Should I Expect The Rash To Come Back

[Juniper2080]

So about a month and a half ago I got this awful rash that itched like crazy after some research and lots of reading web pages, blogs, forums I suspected that I have DH. I have had digestive problems for almost 4 years and could never figure out what it was that was making me run to the bathroom 20-30 min after eating!! So I went to the doctor on March 24th and she sent me for blood work (which came back negative for celiac) and then she gave me a steroid shot (as the creams did nothing for the itch) and with in about a week and a half the itch was gone and the rash was slowly fading. I went gluten free on April 1st and saw an immediate relief in my digestion problems (I can eat things now without the gluten bread and I have NO problems). How ever it has been a month since my shot and I was wondering if anyone knew how long the steroids would be in my system or how long until I have a backlash from the steroid? I did have a gluten meal the other day (ordered a gluten-free meal from Bob Evans and they totally screwed up...I didn't notice until I was home) and within 20 mins of eating it I was in the bathroom!!! So I am convinced I will be staying gluten-free for the rest of my life but anytime I have the slightest itch or red spot I freak out thinking that the rash is coming back!!! I hate waking up each morning wondering if today is the day the rash comes back!!!! Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

[squirmingitch]

From my own experience of taking oral steroids, I would get the backlash anywhere from 3 days to a week after quitting the steroid. I don't know the amount of time for others as I don't remember if they stated a time frame for a backlash. And I have no idea how long a steroid shot would remain in your system. But I can offer this:

We moved about 400 miles & when we did our dog began having allergies to ????? pollen?, weeds, grasses????? in our new locale. Terrible allergy! We had to do something. The vet gave her a steroid shot --- that lasted 1 month before she was back to scratching & gnawing her legs nekked. So the vet gave her another shot of the same steroid ~~~ that lasted 3 weeks. Now he has given her a steroid shot of a different steroid ~~~ we don't know how long this one will last. It's not that much different for dogs as humans regarding how long any particular steroid shot is going to stay with them. The vet says we have to try different ones. This last shot may be the ticket that gets her through the entire season ~~~ we just won't know until we know. Different individuals react differently to different steroids just as we do all medications & that applies to humans & dogs alike. 

I would advise you to just relax & not stress on it. It won't do you any good to fret & worry & agonize over it. You are gluten-free now & say you're going to stay that way. Just try to move forward & not obsess on it. It's also possible you do not have dh. There are many rashes/skin issues associated with celiac disease. 

[Juniper2080]

Thanks for you quick response!!  You just reiterated what I keep telling myself....but you know how it is...sometimes you just have to have someone else tell you

[squirmingitch]

No problem! I'm happy to validate. I know the feeling of needing someone else to say or think the same thing. Who doesn't?