Acne from Steroids?

After completing a course of steroids for body building, i developed bad acne on my back and shoulders. I tried tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline. The last of these makes a small difference to the severity of the problem. But after stopping the steroids for a few months now I was expecting things to clear up. Some days are worse than others, but it is no better than it was when I was taking the steroids.

Is the problem independent from the steroids, and is there anything else I can try?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Steroids can indeed cause acne, but if the acne isn't going away on its own, then you may need to undertake therapy with antibiotics and other acne measures.  The steroids may have just been a trigger, or maybe even coincidental.

I advise your seeing a dermatologist.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff