Steroid Injection
Rarely, steroid injections into big nodules might be used to lessen inflammation or treat severe acne. Rapid recovery and a reduction in discomfort are the outcomes of this treatment.
This therapy is often saved for cysts or nodules with sensitive, swollen acne that isn’t responding to other treatments. Shrinkage of nodules and cysts may be achieved with these treatments. Although a dermatologist may refer to the procedure as intralesional corticosteroid injection, it’s more commonly referred to as a cortisone injection or steroid injection shot.
The injection usually contains a tiny quantity of a steroid, such as triamcinolone (Kenalog), a potent anti-inflammatory, and is administered directly into an acne cyst or nodule. It might take weeks for cysts and nodules to go away on their own. A steroid injection can lessen the discomfort, redness, and swelling in a few days.
Possible adverse effects include skin thinning and discoloration in the treated area. The skin at the injection site becomes thinner or pitted. It may leave a clear indentation where the cyst once existed. Another side effect would be hypopigmentation, a white patch or an area of skin lighter than usual, which often disappears on its own.
