Prednisolone definately causes changes in the bodies usual hormone levels including those that cause acne, I feel for you as i know that steroid induced acne tends to be quite severe. My thoughts would be that the hormonla treatment would be the way to go- roacutane has some significant side effects and does not really do anything to address the underlying problem. There is no reason you could not try the vitamin supplements too but i would let your Dr know just to make sure they are not going to interact with any of your other meds

Steroids are very useful drugs and do a lot of good but unfotunately they have a lot of sideeffects that can be distressng long term. Weight gain, loss of bone density etc and the classic "moonface" and buffalo hump are some of them but unfortunately many of us have no choice but to use these drugs- i guess its a case of weighing up the pros and the cons
good luck

A little background i guess. I am 31 now. When I was a freshman in college I got sick ends up being crohns. They put me on prednisone. I never had any acne through puberty! As soon as I go on it, my back just breaks out. not the little pimples but red huge bumps that hurt! I had other side affects but the acne has stayed with me every since. So 10+ years later I still get acne on my back and the prednisone started it. I went to about 5 dermotoligst and nothing has worked. I have given up going to the pool or the beach because I am embarrassed by it.

Anyone have similar experiences? has anyone had success with an alternative cream to get rid of the acne? That is farely new?

Any help would be awesome.

Right now the dermo has me on sodium sulfacetamide (hasnt done didly squat)

In my experience it has nothing to do with the effect that Prednisone has on hormones, but the fact that it suppresses the immune system and therefore allows the acne causing bacteria to thrive.

I was on long term Lyme antibiotic therapy and all my acne went 100% away (I have always had acne before). After stopping the antibiotics the acne started coming back slowly and after prednisone the same type of acne got even worse.

Chronic acne may be due to a deficiency of essential fatty acids.
My son had quite a bit acne on his back and shoulders (more than on his face). When I started him on flaxoil, evening primrose and fish oil... modestly in fact...one of each daily and removed transfats from our food intake, he totally cleared up.
His ADHD also resolved, and he no longer needed Ritalin!

Other issues are low zinc, and low antioxidants.
There is a acne RX called Nicomide. This also helps many.
You can buy the ingredients listed here:
http://www.drugs.com/pdr/nicomide-tablets.html

separately without a prescription.