How long does it take for mild skin GVHD symptoms to completely resolve?
For mild skin GVHD (stage 1), symptoms can start improving within a few days of starting topical steroid treatment. If you respond well to treatment, your steroid dose may be gradually decreased over several weeks.
The timeline varies depending on Show Full Answer
How long does it take for mild skin GVHD symptoms to completely resolve?
For mild skin GVHD (stage 1), symptoms can start improving within a few days of starting topical steroid treatment. If you respond well to treatment, your steroid dose may be gradually decreased over several weeks.
The timeline varies depending on whether you have acute or chronic GVHD:
Acute GVHD:
- Symptoms typically improve within days if treatment works well
- May need several weeks of treatment total
- Your team will check your response after 5-7 days
Chronic GVHD:
- Takes longer to resolve and may be ongoing
- Can last for years or require lifelong management
- Some people need steroids for 2-3 years or longer
Even with successful treatment, it's important to know that some skin damage from chronic GVHD may be permanent, especially if symptoms progressed before treatment started. Keep your healthcare team updated on how your skin is responding to treatment so they can adjust your care plan as needed.
November 17