Imagine waking up one morning before a big day. Whether it’s a conference meeting with a major client or a family photo session, you want to be looking and feeling your best that week.
You’re soaring with confidence until you look in the mirror. Staring back at you is a new blemish on your face. After groaning, complaining and asking “why now?” you look to your options of how to hide this new surprise.
You could try and cover it up with concealer. But some cysts and pimples just can’t be easily hidden.
If you need a quick fix to hide your surprising blemish, cortisone shots may ease the inflammation.
Here, we share six things you should know about cortisone shots for acne treatment.
Sometimes, concealer doesn’t do the trick, and you need to turn to something a little stronger.
Cortisone is a natural chemical that is used to fight inflammation, notes acne.org.
While cortisone is a steroid, you won’t experience the same side effects as in oral steroids, notes The Fashion Spot. The shot of cortisone you receive is very small and isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream.
Cortisone shots for acne is a quick and painless procedure. These procedures are great for those looking for a fix for cystic acne. EverYoung, a skin care, beauty & laser MedSpa in Coquitlam, notes that this type of treatment isn’t for chronic acne. Rather, it’s to be used for those unexpected surprise cysts when you need to look your best.
Influenster also says that cortisone shots are best for cystic acne.
They suggest that if you are dealing with blackheads or whiteheads, opt for alternative methods of therapy. That’s because the cortisone won’t work as well with regular pimples. The Fashion Spot notes that the pus in a pimple or other blemish will dilute the cortisone, making it ineffective.
The procedure of receiving a cortisone shot for acne treatment is quick and generally painless. EverYoung notes that a doctor will inject the cortisone into the pimple, nodule, cyst or papule in just a quick, five minute process. The pimple or cyst will reduce within a few hours and continue to heal.
If the word “shot” in “cortisone shots” makes you nervous, don’t panic. Influenster says that the needles used are very small. If needed, the dermatologist may use a topical anesthetic prior to injection to reduce pain further. Many dermatologists also use microneedles to ease inflammation.
With the quick application of the cortisone, dermatologists try to keep this procedure as painless as possible. There’s no blood or pus that comes spurting out.
In fact, The Fashion Spot says that the injection takes only about one second to perform. How easy is that?
With the goal of both reducing inflammation and pain, a cortisone shot can help you looking and feeling better quickly.
One of the great benefits of opting for a cortisone shot is that you see results fast. The Fashion Spot notes that you can expect to see your acne cyst shrink within just four to eight hours after you get an injection.
They add that the pain and swelling associated with your cyst will reduce as well. In just 24 hours, your once painful and inflamed cyst will be less red, flattened and less noticeable.
As with any medical procedure, it’s not a guarantee of a completely problem-free solution.
Influenster notes that with especially deep injections, there may be a risk of atrophy of tissue. This atrophy may result in a small depression at the cortisone injection spot. Usually, these depressions reduce over time.
When cortisone shots are used repeatedly or excessively, acne.org says there may be an additional risk. Excessive cortisone may reduce your skin’s ability to repair itself. This may lead to thinning of the skin.
While a cortisone shot is a great option for a quick fix, that doesn’t mean you can completely get rid of your regular acne skin care routine.
A cortisone shot is an emergency solution. While the shot may reduce inflammation, the cortisone doesn’t kill bacteria that may have caused the cyst in the first place.
Even after you get a cortisone shot, continue to use your acne treatment creams and masks to prevent further breakouts and take care of your skin.
While the most frustrating and noticeable blemishes are commonly found on your face, cysts can also pop up on your chest and back as well.
Cortisone shots can also be used for those blemishes, too. The Fashion Shot says severe acne can also be treated with cortisone shots in your back and chest.
Shots for acne treatment can turn a surprising morning disaster into a manageable situation. With cortisone’s power to fight inflammation fast, you’re on your way to looking better and being more confident.
