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.
