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An acne cortisone injection places a corticosteroid medicine directly into a selected large, painful acne cyst or nodule to reduce inflammation. A doctor will assess whether an injection is appropriate for the individual lesion. This targeted procedure is different from an acne facial and does not replace an ongoing acne management plan.
Corticosteroid medicine reduces inflammation within the selected acne lesion. This can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Your doctor will decide whether an injection or another acne treatment is appropriate.
A fine needle is used, causing minimal discomfort. The injection process is quick and feels like a small pin-prick/ant bite.
A corticosteroid injection may be considered for an individual large, painful acne cyst or nodule. Improvement can develop over the following days, but response varies.
It is not a treatment for blackheads or whiteheads, or a replacement for long-term acne care. Only a doctor should perform an injection. Do not squeeze or drain a lesion yourself; your doctor will decide whether a separate drainage procedure is needed.
Having the procedure performed by an experienced doctor is crucial due to two potential side effects:
This side effect, characterised by depression or pitting in the skin, can occur if a high concentration or dose of corticosteroid is injected. Most cases of skin atrophy gradually heal over time, with some taking up to six months, although in rare instances, the pitting may be permanent. It’s important to note that such depressions or pitting may also result from the natural acne scarring process and not necessarily from the injection. The procedure can help reduce the risk of acne scarring.
In individuals with darker skin tones, cortisone injections may cause an area of lighter skin known as hypopigmentation. This effect is usually temporary and tends to resolve over time.
