beta carotene question

Hi

Its going on 90 days since my splenectomy and my numbers remain high in the normal range. I'm tapering down to zero a prednisone dose that I've had for something like 8 years.

One side effect of the taper is my skin is getting really really dried out. Sometimes I feel like I have a sunburn, Its been suggested that I take beta carotene to help this skin reaction.

I've tried to get information about effects of beta carotene on platelet function/production but can't find much. Any insights here?

One thought I have is that if there are minor effects, with numbers in the 300s, maybe I don't need to worry ?

Also, another Q - has anyone used beta carotene in this way with good results?

Thanks!
Mark

I use diprobase on my skin in the winter as I also get dry and sore in the cold. I'd rather use something like that which is totally inert rather than take a chemical. Beta carotene can be overdosed on so be careful.