Cortisone for acne tends to be effective when it is used on large, cyst-like acne. Most dermatologists do not recommend cortisone for use on smaller pimples. When cortisone is given for acne, it is typically in the form of injections that are administered in a doctor's or dermatologist's office. After injections are given, most people see improvements in their acne within a few days. Even though cortisone is generally effective on cystic acne, there are some potential side effects that people considering the treatment should be aware of.
Some people suffer from mild acne, but others often develop cystic acne, which is characterized by large cysts that resemble boils. These cysts are usually embedded deep underneath several layers of skin, and they are often painful. In addition to being painful, cystic acne can take weeks or even months to disappear completely. People who have cystic acne often feel self-conscious about the appearance of their acne because the cysts are often extremely red and difficult to camouflage. The cysts also are generally so deep underneath the surface of the skin that attempting to pick at them or squeeze them could lead to permanent scarring.
Cortisone for acne in the form of cysts may be helpful. When cortisone is used for cystic acne, it is normally delivered in the form of an injection directly into a cyst. Cortisone is a type of steroid, and it usually helps cysts of any type become smaller and less inflamed. People who use cortisone may notice improvements almost right away, although it could take a few weeks before cysts are completely gone depending on how severe they are. Cortisone for acne is a popular treatment for people who have big events coming up that they want to look their best for and are unable to wait for cysts to disappear on their own.
The main side effect related to using cortisone is the possibility of permanent changes to the skin's surface in areas where injections were made. If a doctor or dermatologist injects too much cortisone into an acne cyst, a pitted, sunken-in area might develop in the spot where the cyst was. These pitted areas can be just as embarrassing for some people as cysts. In most cases, the pitted areas fill back in over the course a few weeks, but there is a chance that the changes could be permanent. A person who is considering using cortisone for acne should speak with his doctor or dermatologist about the possibility of this side effect before having injections done.