(This post was updated on 02/17/2023)
In the United States, around 40 and 50 million people are affected by acne. Acne can be painful, time-consuming, and unsightly. If you struggle with acne, you’ve likely tried many remedies. Have you ever heard of an acne cortisone shot?
Depending on the severity of your acne, cortisone shots may shrink your problem areas and leave you with smooth, blemish-free skin in no time. Keep reading to learn about getting cortisone shots for acne and how quickly they can work.
WHAT IS AN ACNE CORTISONE SHOT?
Cortisone shots are a synthetic hormone that closely resembles the stress hormone cortisol. You may know them as steroid shots. Steroids are chemicals that resemble hormones.
Medical professionals use this synthetic hormone to decrease swelling and inflammation for patients needing a quick remedy. Besides injection, synthetic hormones can also be taken by mouth, usually in pill form, or be spread topically to create a longer-term effect. However, cortisone injections are only available on prescription and are typically given by a specially trained doctor in a medical facility.
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HOW DOES AN ACE CORTISONE SHOT WORK?
So what does a cortisone shot do for acne? When you get cortisone shots for acne, the shot is directly injected into your blemish using a microneedle.
The procedure doesn’t take long at all, and most of the time, it’s painless. However, if you have a considerable blemish, your doctor may numb the area with lidocaine to prevent severe pain.
It’s important to note that you should only get a cortisone shot for cystic acne or acne nodules that are extremely sensitive and swollen. A cortisone shot for acne cysts is usually the last-case scenario when traditional acne treatments do not work.
This is because the cortisone shot shrinks tissues. It isn’t able to reduce puss build-up or small acne spots.
Injecting cortisone into a small pimple can lead to permanent marks. In addition, it can leave indentations on your skin, which is always a risk you should consider before getting an injection.
However, if you use it right, cortisone shots can prevent permanent scarring from cystic acne.
HOW QUICKLY DOES A SHOT WORK?
A cortisone shot is the quickest way to take care of cystic acne. You should notice the cyst or nodule shrinking within eight hours of your first shot.
In a few days, you should notice significant shrinkage. Your cyst will also become less painful within 24 hours of your injection.
You should notice reduced swelling, redness, and pain within a few days. However, you may need to go in for an additional shot if you don’t see any significant changes within three or four days.
Unlike most laser acne treatments, your symptoms should not get worse before they get better. However, if it does get worse, you need to call your doctor for plans to move forward.
HOW MUCH DOES AN ACNE CORTISONE SHOT COST?
The cost of an acne cortisone shot can vary depending on several factors, such as the treatment area, the qualifications of the provider, and the type of shot being administered. On average, the cost can range anywhere from $50 to $500 or more. It is best to contact the clinic or provider where you are considering getting the shot for a more accurate quote, as prices may vary.
LOVE YOUR SKIN!
Now you know what an acne cortisone shot is, how it works, and how fast it can relieve your cystic acne. We recommend you talk to your dermatologist or medical spa doctor before considering a cortisone shot. Furthermore, we cannot emphasize the importance of developing a habit of pampering your skin with facial treatments enough.
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