Cortisone shots for acne side effects. Cortisone Shots for Acne: Efficacy, Risks, and Alternatives Explained

23.09.202310.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the benefits of cortisone shots for acne. How do cortisone injections work to treat cystic acne. What are the potential side effects of steroid shots for acne. When should you consider cortisone injections for acne treatment. What are alternative treatments for severe cystic acne.

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Understanding Cortisone Shots as an Acne Treatment

Cortisone shots, also known as intralesional corticosteroid injections or steroid shots, are a targeted treatment option for severe acne lesions. These injections involve administering a synthetic hormone directly into acne cysts or nodules to rapidly reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.

The primary active ingredient in these injections is typically triamcinolone (Kenalog), a potent anti-inflammatory steroid. By delivering this medication directly to the problem area, dermatologists can achieve quick and localized results for stubborn acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

How do cortisone shots work for acne?

Cortisone shots work by delivering a concentrated dose of anti-inflammatory medication directly into the core of a cystic acne lesion. This helps to:

Rapidly reduce inflammation and redness
Decrease swelling and size of the cyst
Alleviate pain and tenderness
Speed up healing time

While untreated cysts may take weeks to resolve on their own, a cortisone injection can often produce noticeable improvements within just a few days.

Benefits of Cortisone Shots for Acne Treatment

Cortisone injections offer several advantages for treating severe, cystic acne:

Rapid results for stubborn acne

One of the primary benefits of cortisone shots is their ability to quickly reduce the appearance and discomfort of large acne cysts. While oral medications or topical treatments may take weeks to show effects, cortisone injections can often produce visible improvements within 24-48 hours.

Targeted treatment for specific lesions

Unlike systemic acne treatments that affect the entire body, cortisone shots allow for precise, localized treatment of individual acne cysts. This targeted approach minimizes potential side effects and maximizes efficacy for problem areas.

Minimally invasive procedure

Cortisone injections are a quick, in-office procedure that typically takes just a few minutes to administer. There’s no downtime required, making it a convenient option for those seeking fast relief from painful cystic acne.

Effective for both facial and body acne

Cortisone shots can be used to treat acne cysts on both the face and body, providing versatile treatment options for various types of severe acne.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Cortisone Injections for Acne

While cortisone shots can be highly effective, they do carry some potential risks and side effects that patients should be aware of:

Skin changes at the injection site

The most common side effects of cortisone injections for acne occur at the site of injection and may include:

Skin atrophy: Thinning or depression of the skin where the injection was administered
Hypopigmentation: Lightening of the skin at the injection site
Textural changes: Alterations in skin texture or appearance

In many cases, these changes are temporary and resolve on their own over time. However, in some instances, they may persist or require additional treatments to correct.

Systemic effects

While rare, there is a potential for the injected steroid to be absorbed into the bloodstream, particularly if an excessive amount is used. This could potentially lead to systemic side effects associated with corticosteroid use.

Risk of infection

As with any injection, there is a small risk of introducing bacteria into the skin, which could potentially lead to infection. However, when performed by a trained medical professional using sterile technique, this risk is minimal.

Limitations on frequency of treatment

To minimize the risk of side effects, cortisone injections should not be administered too frequently in the same area. Typically, dermatologists recommend waiting at least 6 weeks between injections at the same site.

When to Consider Cortisone Shots for Acne

Cortisone injections are not intended as a first-line treatment for acne or as a regular part of an acne management routine. Instead, they are typically reserved for specific situations:

Severe cystic acne

Cortisone shots are most appropriate for treating large, painful acne cysts or nodules that are deep under the skin and do not come to a head. These lesions are often resistant to other forms of treatment and can persist for weeks or even months without intervention.

Special events or time-sensitive situations

Due to their rapid action, cortisone shots may be considered when quick results are needed, such as before an important event or photo shoot. However, it’s important to note that there is still a risk of side effects, so timing and careful consideration are crucial.

Acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments

For individuals who have tried other acne treatments without success, cortisone injections may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for managing severe or persistent acne.

Alternative Treatments for Severe Acne

While cortisone shots can be effective for treating individual cysts, they are not a comprehensive solution for managing ongoing acne. Other treatment options that may be considered for severe or cystic acne include:

Oral medications

Isotretinoin: A powerful oral retinoid that can produce long-lasting results for severe acne
Antibiotics: Such as tetracycline, which can help control bacterial growth and reduce inflammation
Spironolactone: An anti-androgen medication that can be effective for hormonal acne in women
Oral contraceptives: Birth control pills can help regulate hormones and reduce acne in some women

Topical treatments

Retinoids: Prescription-strength topical retinoids like adapalene or tazarotene can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation
Benzoyl peroxide: An over-the-counter treatment that can help kill acne-causing bacteria
Salicylic acid: A beta-hydroxy acid that can help exfoliate the skin and unclog pores

Advanced skincare procedures

Chemical peels: Can help exfoliate the skin and reduce acne
Light and laser therapies: May help reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria
Microdermabrasion: Can help improve skin texture and reduce acne scarring

Understanding the Root Causes of Cystic Acne

To effectively manage cystic acne, it’s important to understand its underlying causes. Cystic acne is considered the most severe form of acne and is characterized by large, painful bumps deep under the skin that don’t come to a head like typical pimples.

What factors contribute to cystic acne?

Several factors can contribute to the development of cystic acne:

Hormones: Fluctuations in testosterone, estrogen, and androgen levels can trigger or worsen cystic acne
Genetics: A family history of cystic acne increases one’s likelihood of developing it
Environmental factors: High humidity, excessive sweating, and certain skincare products can exacerbate acne
Medications: Some drugs, including lithium, corticosteroids, and certain anticonvulsants, can trigger cystic acne
Bacteria: The presence of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria can contribute to inflammation and cyst formation

Understanding these factors can help guide treatment decisions and lifestyle modifications to better manage cystic acne.

Developing a Comprehensive Acne Management Plan

While cortisone shots can be an effective tool for managing individual acne cysts, a comprehensive approach is often necessary for long-term acne control. This may involve a combination of treatments, lifestyle changes, and ongoing care.

Elements of a comprehensive acne management plan

Consistent skincare routine: Gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing tailored to your skin type
Topical treatments: Regular use of acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or prescription retinoids
Oral medications: When necessary, under the guidance of a dermatologist
Diet and lifestyle modifications: Identifying and avoiding potential acne triggers in your diet or environment
Stress management: As stress can exacerbate acne, incorporating stress-reduction techniques may be beneficial
Regular dermatologist check-ups: To monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed

By combining multiple approaches and working closely with a dermatologist, many individuals can achieve significant improvements in their acne, even in severe cases.

When to Seek Professional Help for Acne

While mild acne can often be managed with over-the-counter treatments and good skincare practices, there are situations where professional medical help is warranted.

Signs it’s time to see a dermatologist for your acne

Your acne is severe, persistent, or leaving scars
Over-the-counter treatments haven’t been effective after several months of consistent use
You’re developing large, painful cysts or nodules
Your acne is causing significant emotional distress or affecting your quality of life
You suspect your acne may be related to an underlying medical condition or medication

A board-certified dermatologist can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your skin, identify any underlying factors contributing to your acne, and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of topical treatments, oral medications, and in-office procedures like cortisone injections when appropriate.

Remember, early intervention can help prevent scarring and reduce the overall impact of acne on your skin and self-esteem. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re struggling to manage your acne on your own.

Cortisone Shot for Acne: Benefits & Side Effects

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Medically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD — By Scott Frothingham on September 4, 2020

To reduce the inflammation, swelling, and pain of cystic acne, a dermatologist can inject a diluted corticosteroid directly into a cyst.

This treatment is usually reserved for tender, swollen acne nodules, or cysts that aren’t responding to typical acne therapies. It can be very effective in shrinking nodules and cysts.

While a dermatologist may refer to the treatment as an intralesional corticosteroid injection, it’s widely known as a cortisone or steroid injection shot, or a cortisone injection.

Read on to learn more about the benefits and side effects of these injections.

A cortisone shot is the injection of a synthetic hormone. It’s used for short-term relief of inflammation and to shrink large cysts. The injections can be used on both the face and the body.

The shot, which is injected directly into an acne cyst or nodule, typically contains a small amount of a steroid, such as triamcinolone (Kenalog), a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Cysts and nodules may take weeks to resolve on their own. A steroid injection can reduce the swelling, redness and pain in a few days.

While this procedure can be quick and effective, there’s a possibility of side effects. These include:

Pitting or thinning of the skin at the site of the injection. This can result in a visible depression where the cyst was. These depressions are often temporary and resolve on their own. Otherwise, your dermatologist may recommend dermal fillers.
Hypopigmentation, an area of lighter than normal skin or a white spot. Over time, this often goes away on its own.
Systemic effects from the steroid. This could be caused if more than the limit is injected and absorbed into the bloodstream.

You can get multiple injections in one session, with each injection going to a different area. You must wait about 6 weeks between injections in the same spot.

These injections are meant to be an occasional treatment for specific cysts and nodules. It’s not meant to be a regular part of your acne treatment or skin care regimen.

Cystic acne is considered to be the most severe form of acne.

Typically, acne appears as:

pimples
whiteheads
blackheads
papules
pustules

Acne is usually caused by your skin’s pores becoming clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), is also often involved.

Sometimes a clogged pore breaks deep inside the skin forming large tender, painful bumps known as cysts (pus filled bumps) or nodules (inflamed bumps). These bumps can last for weeks or longer.

Cystic acne, like other acne, is caused by the interaction of a number of different factors:

Hormones. Testosterone, estrogen, and androgen are linked to cystic acne.
Genetics. If one of your parents has cystic acne, you’re more likely to develop it.
Environment. High humidity, excessive perspiration, makeup, lotions, and cleansers can cause cystic acne.
Certain drugs and chemicals. Lithium, corticosteroids, isoniazid, and phenytoin are associated with cystic acne.

Other treatments your dermatologist may discuss with you include:

isotretinoin
antibiotics (tetracycline)
topical retinoids (adapalene, tazarotene)
spironolactone
oral contraceptives (for women)

While cortisone injections aren’t meant to be used as a regular acne treatment, they can be very effective with cystic acne.

If you have large, red, painful bumps deep in your skin that don’t form a head, you may have cystic acne. Consult with a board-certified dermatologist about recommended treatments, including cortisone injections.

Also check with your insurance regarding coverage. Some policies may classify cortisone injections as a cosmetic treatment and not cover them.

Last medically reviewed on September 4, 2020

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Acne. (2014).
girlshealth.gov/body/grooming/acne.html
Acne. (2020).
health.cornell.edu/sites/health/files/pdf-library/Acne.pdf
Acne: Causes & treatment. (2017).
my.clevelandclinic. org/health/diseases/12233-acne
Kraft J, et al. (2011). Management of acne. DOI:
10.1503/cmaj.090374
Liu K, et al. (2019). Adult acne: Understanding underlying causes and banishing breakouts.
health.harvard.edu/blog/adult-acne-understanding-underlying-causes-and-banishing-breakouts-2019092117816
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Acne treatments: Medical procedures may help clear skin.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/in-depth/acne-treatments/art-20045892
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Acne.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD — By Scott Frothingham on September 4, 2020

Cortisone Injections | Schwarz Dermatology PLLC

Cortisone is a chemical produced by the body to counter inflammation. Cortisone produced by the body is short-acting, and has only a temporary impact on inflammation, so is not very effective in helping to heal acne cysts or nodules. Cortisone injections, however, use highly concentrated cortisone, so are more effective in immediately reducing redness and inflammation, and providing long-lasting results. Although cortisone is a steroid, it is not an anabolic steroid, which is commonly used to increase strength and muscle size, and known to have harmful side effects.

Cortisone injections are used to treat severe and sustained deep-tissue acne. Severe acne may include cysts or nodules that develop on the face or other areas. Nodules are large, painful, solid lesions lodged deep within the skin. Cysts are deep, painful, pus-filled lesions. They are often difficult to clear up with common acne treatments such as topical medications. Deep-tissue acne can be painful and last for months. If left untreated, it can cause permanent scarring. Cortisone injections provide fast and effective relief.

Benefits of Cortisone Injections

Acne
Injected cortisone penetrates more deeply than just the top layer of skin, making it much more effective than topical solutions in treating cystic acne infection, and preventing scars from forming.
Scars
Treatment with cortisone injections improves the look of keloid and hypertrophic scars that have formed as a result of acne. Keloid scars are overgrown areas of scar tissue that form at the site of a previous injury such as an incision, wound or pimple. Hypertrophic scars are red, raised scars filled with excessive amounts of collagen. Cortisone injections make these types of scars less noticeable by reducing their redness and inflammation.

The Cortisone Injection Procedure

When used to treat acne, cortisone is injected directly into the affected area, where it starts to reduce inflammation right away. Healing of deep-tissue acne begins immediately after injection. The cortisone injection itself can hurt when placed into an already painful cyst or nodule. In those cases, a local anesthetic may be applied to numb the skin before giving the injection.

Multiple treatments of the same area are not needed because cortisone produces results immediately.

Side Effects of Cortisone Injections

The side effects of cortisone injections are minimal. The most common side effect, atrophy of the fatty tissue around the injection site that results in a slight depression in the skin, is temporary. In some cases, skin takes several months to return to normal. Immediately following an injection, the skin may swell slightly, but this quickly goes away. In dark-skinned people, a small white spot may appear at the injection site, but this, too, disappears soon afterward. There is almost no risk of allergic reaction because cortisone is naturally produced by the body.

Cortisone injections for cystic acne and nodules are performed in a doctor’s office.

Additional Resources

MedlinePlus
National Institutes of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
U.S. National Library of Medicine
WebMD

Do cortisone injections work for acne? – Drink-Drink

11.07.2022 DrinkDrinkAdmin

Contents

Are cortisone injections effective for cystic acne?
Are there any side effects of cortisone injections for cystic acne?
How often can I get cortisone injections for cystic acne?
What is cystic acne?
What causes cystic acne?
What other treatments are available for cystic acne?
Conclusion

To reduce the inflammation, swelling, and pain of cystic acne, a dermatologist may inject a diluted corticosteroid directly into the cyst.

This treatment is usually reserved for painful, swollen acne nodules or cysts that do not respond to typical acne treatments. It can be very effective in shrinking nodes and cysts.

While a dermatologist may refer to treatment as an intralesional corticosteroid injection, it is commonly known as a cortisone or steroid injection or cortisone injection.

Read on to learn more about the benefits and side effects of these injections.

Are cortisone injections effective for cystic acne?

A cortisone shot is an injection of a synthetic hormone. It is used for short-term relief of inflammation and reduction of large cysts. Injections can be used both on the face and on the body.

An injection given directly into a cyst or acne nodule usually contains a small amount of a steroid such as triamcinolone (Kenalog), a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.

Cysts and nodules may resolve on their own within a few weeks. An injection of steroids can reduce swelling, redness, and pain within a few days.

Are there any side effects of cortisone injections for cystic acne?

Although this procedure can be quick and effective, there may be side effects. This includes:

The appearance or thinning of the skin at the injection site. This can lead to visible depression where the cyst was. These depressions are often temporary and go away on their own. Otherwise, your dermatologist may recommend dermal fillers.
Hypopigmentation, an area of skin that is lighter than usual, or a white spot. It often goes away on its own with time.
Systemic effects of the steroid. This can be caused by more than the limit being injected and absorbed into the bloodstream.

How often can I get cortisone injections for cystic acne?

You can have several injections in one session, with each injection directed to a different area. Between injections in the same place should take about 6 weeks.

These injections are for the intermittent treatment of certain cysts and nodules. This should not be a regular part of your acne treatment or skin care regimen.

What is cystic acne?

Cystic acne is considered the most severe form of acne.

Pimples usually appear as:

pimples
whiteheads
comedones
papules
pustules

Acne usually occurs when your skin pores become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum. . Bacteria such as () are also often involved.

Sometimes clogged pores break deep under the skin, forming large, tender, painful bumps known as cysts (pus-filled bumps) or nodules (inflamed bumps). These beats can last for several weeks or longer.

What causes cystic acne?

Cystic acne, like other acne, is caused by the interaction of a number of different factors:

Hormones. Testosterone, estrogen and androgen are associated with cystic acne.
Genetics. If one of your parents has cystic acne, you are more likely to develop it.
Environment. High humidity, excessive sweating, make-up, lotions and cleansers can cause cystic acne.
Certain drugs and chemicals. Lithium, corticosteroids, isoniazid and phenytoin are associated with cystic acne.

What other treatments are available for cystic acne?

Other treatments your dermatologist can discuss with you include:

isotretinoin
antibiotics (tetracycline)
topical retinoids (adapalene, tazarotene)
spironolactone
oral contraceptives (for women)

Conclusion

Although cortisone injections are not intended for routine acne treatment, they can be very effective for cystic acne.

If you have large, red, painful bumps deep under your skin that don’t form heads, you may have cystic acne. Consult a board-certified dermatologist about recommended treatments, including cortisone injections.

Also check with your insurance company for coverage. Some policies may classify cortisone injections as a cosmetic procedure and may not cover them.

Health

Cortisone injection. Deep acne express

January 14, 2020

Cortisone injection. Deep Acne Express

Read about all current iHerb promotions and promo codes HERE

There are situations when you have a big, red, terrible cystic pimple in the most visible place, and you need to get rid of it within 1-2 days. And waiting a week for it to pass by itself is not an option at all. In this case, a hormonal injection of cortisone will help you.
Corticosteroids are capable of being independently produced in the body of a healthy person, namely, in the adrenal glands. As you might guess, they are usually referred to as hormones, more precisely, to catabolics, which have the function of suppressing inflammatory processes. Cortisone injections are given under local anesthesia with microneedles at the site of acne. Cortisone is especially effective in fighting painful rashes and cysts (internal pimples-bumps).
So, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with a specialist, formerly it was dermatologists, now a similar procedure is available in many beauty salons. Cortisone works quickly against inflammation, removing pimples, preventing the formation of scar tissue and acne scars. The effect of cortisone to deflate acne occurs 24-48 hours after administration. Once it is injected, the pimples will appear smooth and soft.
Note that the effectiveness of this remedy will be preserved only when you do not violate the established rules for use: you can make a mistake during the injection, which can also lead to some serious consequences cortisone on 3 injections made in one year)

Wash your face with a complete cleansing cycle at least twice a day. Or more often, especially if you play sports.

Be sure to use SPF 30 sunscreen every day.

Avoid touching your face to avoid transferring new bacteria from your hands.

After Cortisol:
Mild Cleansing
CERAMEDX VERY Mild Cleanser, 177 ml
A creamy daily cleanser specially formulated to cleanse dry and sensitive skin. Contains exclusive Riceramide-3 technology plus rich, soothing emollients and hyaluronic acid to help restore moisture and support skin’s natural protective barrier. The unique formula gently removes dirt and impurities without soap base or surfactants that can dry or irritate the skin. Ideal for normal to dry and sensitive skin, promoting healthy skin renewal.

Moisturizer
PACIFICA, COCONUT PROBIOTIC, TECHNOLOGY WATER REHAB CREAM (29 ML)
Revitalizing cream with probiotic complex and moisturizing ingredients

ANNEMARIE BORLIND, ZZ SENSITIVE, FIRMING FACE GEL, 1 50 ml
Firming. Calming. Refreshing.
For sensitive skin.
Deeply hydrates the skin and prepares it perfectly for subsequent day or night care. Golden Orchid leaves skin feeling fresh and relaxed.

Sunscreen
SOME BY MI, TRUECICA MINERAL 100 SOOTHING SUN CREAM, SPF 50+ PA++++
SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen, 85% essence, glides on skin like a lotion.