Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWho They’re ForHow They’re GivenBenefitsRisksDaily Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Who They’re For
How They’re Given
Benefits
Risks
Daily Treatment
Cortisone shots for acne involve injecting a synthetic form of the hormone cortisol into largeacne cysts. As an anti-inflammatory, cortisone shrinks the swollen cyst wall, helping reduce the redness, swelling, andpain of severe inflammatory acne breakouts.
Cortisone acne shots work quickly. Within 24 hours, you’ll notice treated blemishes softening, shrinking, and flattening.While they may not completely disappear, they will invariably be smaller and better able to heal themselves within a week.
This article looks at how cortisone acne shots are given, who they are appropriate for, their benefits and side effects, and treatments that can help prevent future breakouts.
Andrew Brookes / Getty Images
Who May Benefit From Acne Cortisone Shots
Cortisone shots don’t work on your run-of-the-mill pimples, nor do they reduce the build-up of pus in the swollen pustules.
You may want to ask your dermatologist about cortisone injections if:
Corticosteroid injections can also be used to shrinkhypertrophicandkeloid scars.
How Cortisone Shots for Acne Are Given
The healthcare provider injects a very diluted corticosteroid directly into the blemish.
The needle used for intralesional cortisone injections is much smaller than what is used forvaccinationsor blood draw. Called a micro-needle, it is barely larger than an acupuncture needle and is designed to enter the skin with minimal pain.
Discomfort during the injection typically only occurs if the pimple is very large and painful. To reduce pain, your dermatologist may numb the area with topical lidocaine before getting started.
The procedure is relatively quick and is done at a dermatologist’s office.
Benefits of Cortisone Acne Shots
Cortisone shots provide a treatment option for acne that may be otherwise resistant to other solutions. They can be used on both the face and the body.
As cortisone’s healing effects can begin immediately, the treatment can improve skin fast (which may be especially helpful if you have an upcoming event that you want to look your best for).
Cortisone injections also reduce the chance of scarring, which is especially valuable if you’re prone tohyperpigmentation(darkening skin) after a breakout.
Cortisone injections along with comedone extraction (the removal of blackheads) do not alter the course of your condition, but can significantly improve your skin’s appearance.
Risks of Cortisone Shots for Acne
Cortisone acne shots may sound like a magic wand when it comes tohealing big blemishes quickly. But this procedure can cause side effects, such as:
Permanent Pitting
Daily Acne Treatments
Cortisone injections help big breakouts heal up quickly, but they can’t stop breakouts from occurring. For that, you’ll need to use a daily acne treatment medication.
If you have acne that is severe or recurs regularly, you’ll likely need prescription acne medications to get rid of it. For big blemishes, over-the-counter products just don’t have enough strength.
Your dermatologist will prescribe a treatment that is best for your skin. Options include:
Summary
Cortisone injections aren’t meant to be a regular acne treatment, but they can help clear up large blemishes. The needles are extremely thin and the procedure is often painless.
Acne shots can help clear up large pimples that won’t heal on their own or are extremely painful. You may see improvement as early as 24 hours after treatment.
Side effects may include temporary pitting and lightening skin.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tan AU, Schlosser BJ, Paller AS.A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(2):56-71. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.10.006British Association of Dermatologists.Steroid Injections.Morelli Coppola M, Salzillo R, Segreto F, Persichetti P.Triamcinolone acetonide intralesional injection for the treatment of keloid scars: patient selection and perspectives.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:387-96. doi:10.2147/CCID.S133672The American Acne Association.Cortisone Shots for Acne.Fabbrocini G, Annunziata MC, D’Arco V, De Vita V, Lodi G, Mauriello MC, Pastore F, Monfrecola G.Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment.Dermatol Res Pract. 2010;2010:893080. doi:10.1155/2010/893080Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-73. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037Premanshu B, Prateek M, Swarn L.Intralesional steroid injections: look before you leap!.Indian J Dermatol. 2014;59(4):410-1. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.135506American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: Diagnosis and Treatment.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tan AU, Schlosser BJ, Paller AS.A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(2):56-71. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.10.006British Association of Dermatologists.Steroid Injections.Morelli Coppola M, Salzillo R, Segreto F, Persichetti P.Triamcinolone acetonide intralesional injection for the treatment of keloid scars: patient selection and perspectives.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:387-96. doi:10.2147/CCID.S133672The American Acne Association.Cortisone Shots for Acne.Fabbrocini G, Annunziata MC, D’Arco V, De Vita V, Lodi G, Mauriello MC, Pastore F, Monfrecola G.Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment.Dermatol Res Pract. 2010;2010:893080. doi:10.1155/2010/893080Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-73. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037Premanshu B, Prateek M, Swarn L.Intralesional steroid injections: look before you leap!.Indian J Dermatol. 2014;59(4):410-1. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.135506American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: Diagnosis and Treatment.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Tan AU, Schlosser BJ, Paller AS.A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(2):56-71. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.10.006British Association of Dermatologists.Steroid Injections.Morelli Coppola M, Salzillo R, Segreto F, Persichetti P.Triamcinolone acetonide intralesional injection for the treatment of keloid scars: patient selection and perspectives.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:387-96. doi:10.2147/CCID.S133672The American Acne Association.Cortisone Shots for Acne.Fabbrocini G, Annunziata MC, D’Arco V, De Vita V, Lodi G, Mauriello MC, Pastore F, Monfrecola G.Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment.Dermatol Res Pract. 2010;2010:893080. doi:10.1155/2010/893080Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-73. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037Premanshu B, Prateek M, Swarn L.Intralesional steroid injections: look before you leap!.Indian J Dermatol. 2014;59(4):410-1. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.135506American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: Diagnosis and Treatment.
Tan AU, Schlosser BJ, Paller AS.A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(2):56-71. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.10.006
British Association of Dermatologists.Steroid Injections.
Morelli Coppola M, Salzillo R, Segreto F, Persichetti P.Triamcinolone acetonide intralesional injection for the treatment of keloid scars: patient selection and perspectives.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:387-96. doi:10.2147/CCID.S133672
The American Acne Association.Cortisone Shots for Acne.
Fabbrocini G, Annunziata MC, D’Arco V, De Vita V, Lodi G, Mauriello MC, Pastore F, Monfrecola G.Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment.Dermatol Res Pract. 2010;2010:893080. doi:10.1155/2010/893080
Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-73. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037
Premanshu B, Prateek M, Swarn L.Intralesional steroid injections: look before you leap!.Indian J Dermatol. 2014;59(4):410-1. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.135506
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: Diagnosis and Treatment.
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