Atrophy

I wrote to you in November of 2002 regarding a Kenalog injection I received in my wrist 6 months earlier.  The area turned red immediately and began indenting a few months later.  I saw 2 dermatologists, and both diagnosed it as steroid-induced atrophy.  They were very positive and said it will correct itself with time.

It has now been 11 months since the shot, and the atrophy is worsening.  I keep the measurements of the atrophied skin, and it is indeed getting worse.  There is a very noticeable ridge that outlines the atrophied area. If I rub my finger across my wrist, my finger sinks down into atrophied area.  

I'm scared it is going to move up and down my hand/arm.  Both dermatologists assured me that it is simply atrophy that will go away, but since almost one year has passed and it's worse, I am getting nervous.  Any ideas?  Do you know how big this could get before it gets better?

Thanks again for your time.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I have never heard or seen atrophy continue to worsen.  There is no reason why atrophy should extend a year later.  I simply can't explain your observation.  Is it at least possible that your measurements are not precise?

In any case, you will need to show this to someone.  I don't know of any treatments which hasten resolution of atrophy.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Jukebox]

Thanks, Dr. Rockoff.  Unfortunately, I am sure the atrophy is getting bigger.  The dermatologist measured it in November, and it is considerably longer and wider.  I have another appointment with him next week to follow up on the growth.  He told me that he will likely biopsy it.  It all started with the Kenalog shot, so I doubt there is anything else going on with it.

I'm curious if atrophy can be painful.  I feel a stretching sensation most of the time, and it burns during the times that I can tell it is getting bigger.  I usually see a shadow on my normal skin and then within a few days, the atrophy sets in.  I guess I just need reassurance that the skin will really fill in over time?  And, when the tissue returns, will the blood vessels go away?  The mark is very purplish/red in color.  It's a big eyesore, that's for sure.

Thanks, again.

[fizz]

I wrote to the Dr. about my skin on my lower leg which was a side effect to a kenalog injection I received seven months ago. It is sounds similar to the way you describe you skin except the atrophy ( I don't think at this time ) is not getting any larger. I have been to 3 dermatologist who said that they do not now when my skin will return to normal and that maybe lasers may help with the redness and blood vessels but that I should wait it out for a while. I too, am concerned that it is permanent and have been trying to get some reassurance about this.

[tom's mom]

I'm so glad I found this commentary!  I have been searching fo rinformation-you have been very helpful, because I too have an atrophied spot, it's on my elbow, that I noticed ~ 2 months ago now, the area seems to have remained the same size, but the appearance has definately changed.  It all began with some kind of steroid injection for tennis elbow 12-23-02, and then ~ 2-3 weeks later, the skin turned dark brown, and somewhat textured, I wasn't sure what was the problem, so I scrubbed and scrubbed for 3 days until it was all gone,  a red area was left initially, and now the skin is a white patch, with no hair, and a ridge around the area where you can see the healthy skin, and inside the ridge is depressed.  I still have pain, but the pain seems to be on either edge of the area, and not in the center which is where the injection was.  I also have a friend who describes the same exact scenario, but she had surgery to extend tendons and ligament, and normal skin now meets with the smallest of incision.  After going to a dermatologist, OBGYN, and vein/skin specialist, I have been referred back to my 'orthopod' to see what his opinion is.  I hope this is related to the injection, it sure beats the other diagnosis I was given.  I would welcome any opinions you may have.  Thanks!

[websurfer63]

A related discussion, Cortisone Injection Skin Atrophy was started.