Steroid Acne

[Brownfox]

I never break out except for tiny patches of menstrual acne on my upper back, etc (the usual stuff with periods).  However, about a week ago, I developed a true rash on my upper chest and a little on my left side, which developed into acne pustules that are now large and painful.  Then a few days later, (last Friday), I developed a condition on my jaws and cheeks of dense flesh-colored bumps (some are red like acne).  These, too, have puss in them like acne.  I went to the Dermatologist today, and after ruling out itching and liver disease (the bumps don't itch at all), he asked me if I had taken any steriods lately.  I informed him that three weeks ago, I got a cortisone shot for poison ivy, and that the doctor told me she was giving me a strong dose due to the prevalence of poison ivy in this area this year.  The shot was obviously strong, because I had a little trouble breathing (like someone was sitting on my chest) and I broke out into a sweat about one hour after getting it.  The dermatologist said he had no doubt that I was suffering from steroid acne and he prescribed Ceftin? and Nizorol? (Spelling??)  I went home and looked it up on the internet, but everything kept saying that steroid acne comes from oral steroids.  I found nothing that linked my condition to a cortisone shot.  Does the DX and RX sound correct?  And if so, how long will it be before I see an improvement?  I'm not used to dealing with such unsightly breakouts and it is really taking its toll on me emotionally.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Steroid acne comes from internal steroids--oral or injectable.  The diagnosis therefore sounds plausible.

Internal steroids by no means always cause acne, but when they do, the condition takes care of itself.  This usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months.

If the treatment your doctor gave you doesn't help in a couple of more, weeks, you might ask about a change to one of the oral cycline antibiotics.

But most of all, keep in mind that this is a single event, which will go away and leave you with no residual marks.  It's entirely possible that you could take steroids again, if you needed them, eith no ill-effects.

By the way, I'm not sure what to make of that breathing trouble you say the steroid shot brought on.  You might ask the dermatologist for clarification . . .

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[Brownfox]

I might should have told you I am 30 years old.

[mull]

A related discussion, steroid acne was started.

[petitmiam]

A related discussion, I think I have (cortico) steroid acne too. was started.