Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions. It is often prescribed to reduce inflammation in the body, such as in the lungs, skin, or joints. Hair loss is a common side effect of prednisone, especially when taken in high doses or for a long period of time.
The exact mechanism by which prednisone causes hair loss is not fully understood. However, it is thought that prednisone may interfere with the normal hair growth cycle. Hair loss typically begins 2 to 4 weeks after starting prednisone and can continue for several months after stopping the medication.
