Cysts and nodules are a more serious type of acne that in most cases require a more serious and effective treatment regimen. Cysts and nodules can be painful and annoying to deal with. They are large lesions that form deep within the skin and are therefore sometimes resistant to topical treatments as well as others. If left untreated they can last anywhere from weeks to months and can even result in bad acne scars. This is why it is so important to always get your acne cysts looked at by a dermatologist so that they can find a way to effectively treat it and prevent the cysts from coming back or worsening. There is no reason to ignore cystic acne and let it get worse or become too painful to bare.
One way that has been found to quickly and effectively treat acne cysts or nodules is the use of cortisone injections. Cortisone shots should really only be used for special occasions or medical emergencies and the first step to treatment with cortisone injections is to call and set up an appointment with your dermatologist or doctor on a as-needed basis.
Cortisone is a natural chemical that is released in our bodies in response to inflammation. However the kind of cortisone that is in our bodies is temporary or shot acting and does not produce the quick healing that we desire. It is for this reason that cortisone is sometimes injected into the inflamed/affected area. Cortisone has been used by many people who suffer from cystic acne to quickly reduce swelling and heal lesions. Cortisone is a corticosteroid, which is a steroid hormone that is produced in the adrenal gland. This is why often times Cortisone is sometimes referred to as a “steroid” however this should not be mistaken with anabolic steroids which are different. Anabolic steroids are drugs that are used to increase muscle size and strength and often cause a number of serious side effects such as roid rage, etc.
How does cortisone help acne cysts?
Cortisone works quickly and efficiently to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process. It is very effective especially in healing cystic acne lesions and many have suggested that it begins healing immediately.
As with any type of acne treatment there can be side effects in using Cortisone injections. Not only can the injections be painful but there is a possibility of an allergic reaction occurring, since Cortisone is naturally produced in our bodies already; however this type of allergic reaction in treatment of acne is rare in most cases. The most common side effect that most people experience when getting Cortisone injections is atrophy of the fatty tissue that surrounds the injection. What this means is that the injection area can end up looking sunken in. This type of atrophy is temporary and can take up to a few months to heal and recover properly before it turns back to normal. However for most people it shouldn’t be something serious to worry about, as it will return back to normal if given enough time.
If you find Cortisone shots to be painful most doctors or dermatologists can use a local anesthetic to numb the area beforehand if desired. Other side effects from Cortisone injections are rare but can occur, they include temporary pain. In dark skinned individuals who get a Cortisone shot, hypo pigmentation or white spots forming in at the site of injection may occur, but again instances of this happening are quite rare.
How can I get a Cortisone Shot?
After educating yourself on what Cortisone is and how it can help you treat and prevent acne, if you decide that it is right for you then the next step is to call a dermatologist or a doctor who can help. Let them know that you would like to set up an appointment for an injection and if you have a big event coming up then make sure that they know that too, as it is probably of great importance and you might have a greater chance of getting in quicker. Even though Cortisone injections can be used as a preventative in cystic acne and in other types of acne in general, it is always wise to follow up with your dermatologist on a regular basis and to take other preventative measures as well when treating acne. If you get cysts and nodules on a regular basis or from time to time then using a few different preventatives can increase your chances of maintaining healthy looking skin.
As a result you will feel much better! So talk to your dermatologist today about Cortisone to see if its right for you! Make sure to follow up with other preventatives like washes and cleansers or whatever else your dermatologist may suggest! Maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of rest (at least 8 hours of sleep a night). Having a relaxed and healthy body makes all the difference in the world when trying to fight and prevent acne. Exercising daily can also help boost your immune system and keep you feeling good and positive, keeping stress under control and hormones from fluctuating left and right. Together with this combo and the knowledge behind it all you are now well on your way to making acne disappear from your life forever!
