Healing from Bell's palsy is a gradual process. While Omnacortil (prednisolone) and physical therapy are actively helping her nerves heal, major improvements typically begin within three to four weeks. Full recovery can take anywhere from three to six months. Please ensure she continues taking all prescribed medications, including the stomach and blood pressure tablets, as directed. Consistent physical therapy is also incredibly helpful. She is making great progress, so please remain patient and positive.

Yes, it is possible that your medications are contributing to this. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQS) is known to sometimes cause itching as a side effect. While prednisolone (Omnacortil) is less likely to cause itching, these symptoms could also be related to your underlying lupus. Please don't worry, but it is important to contact your doctor or rheumatologist. They can help determine the exact cause and safely adjust your treatment. Please do not stop taking your medications without their guidance.

The crooked mouth when smiling or eating is a typical symptom of temporary facial weakness. Her medications are standard: Omnacortil (prednisolone) reduces nerve swelling, while Rantac (ranitidine) protects her stomach. Morning tiredness can be a common side effect of prednisolone disrupting sleep, or from her blood pressure medication. Please ensure she discusses this fatigue with her doctor to check her blood pressure levels. She is on the right treatment path, and with time and rest, she should improve.

It is generally safe for your mother to receive her second Covishield vaccine while taking a low dose of Omnacortil (prednisolone) 5mg. Because Covishield is not a live vaccine, it does not pose an infection risk. A low daily dose of 5mg is unlikely to significantly affect how well the vaccine works. Please do not stop her Omnacortil suddenly, as stopping steroids abruptly can cause her painful joint disease to flare up severely. She does not need to wait to get her shot, but we always recommend confirming with her rheumatologist to ensure her rheumatoid arthritis is safely managed during her vaccination.

The steroid Omnacortil (prednisolone) reduces itching quickly, but it can temporarily weaken the skin's defense against fungi, leading to a rebound once stopped. Cefadroxil treats secondary bacterial infections, while Terbinafine targets the fungus. For a permanent cure, the fungus must be completely eradicated. I highly recommend consulting his pediatrician to safely adjust the Terbinafine duration, properly taper the steroid, and check for reinfection sources like shoes. Keeping his skin clean and dry will also help.

For active, widespread vitiligo, narrowband UVB phototherapy is a highly effective, safe treatment to halt progression and encourage color to return. Your dermatologist might also suggest a gentle oral corticosteroid pulse therapy to calm the immune system without the daily side effects of prednisolone, or prescribe non-steroidal topical calcineurin inhibitors. Please schedule an appointment with a dermatologist soon to safely tailor a comfortable plan for you.