acne

[nana1225]

i heard about this shot, it is supposed to clear my skin for life and keep my skin one tone. i was wondering if that is true.


This discussion is related to How safe are cortisone shots?.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Cortisone shots are sometimes used for treatment of acne but they are not without side effects.In addition to the systemic side effects,they can cause flushing of the skin,skin pigmentation and sometimes an allergic reaction to cortisone.You can go in for other treatments like dermabrasion,chemical peels,laser resurfacing,punch grafts etc.

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Warm regards.

[loiloi]

There is no miracle cure for acne. Cortisone shots reduce inflammation and allergic symptoms but can actually induce acne.
The drug considered the "gold standard" treatment for acne is Accutane (oral Isotretinoin). This is a power drug for people with severe acne which has not responded to standard treatments. You may be considered for Accutane if you have experienced relapse or failure after trying 2 different oral antibiotics, topical treatments and an anti-androgen contraceptive pill (female patients only).
Accutane must be taken for at least 16 weeks and provides a long term remission from acne in 80% of cases. It has many potential side effects but this must be balanced against the fact it can help people with severe nodular or cystic acne.
Hope this is helpful, Eloise.