Do Cortisone Shots for Acne Work?

Most people will experience some form of acne during their lifetime, especially during their teenage years. You can often treat pimples at home. But to get rid of more severe acne you may need help from a dermatologist.

Dermatologists often use a combination of treatments for severe acne, including topical medications, oral antibiotics, and hormonal therapies. For some cystic lesions, they can also give a cortisone shot. Like any treatment, cortisone shots can have side effects.

Let’s look at how cortisone shots work to treat acne and what to expect if you need one.

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How does cortisone work to help with acne?

Cortisone injections are generally used for cystic or nodular acne, which is a type of inflammatory acne that can be harder to treat with other therapies. Injections are recommended in combination with other acne treatments. 

Inflammatory acne lesions happen when the buildup of oil and bacteria in your hair follicle causes it to rupture. This triggers your body’s inflammatory response, which leads to swelling, redness, and pain. Cystic acne forms in the deeper skin layers and can be especially painful. It also has a higher risk of causing acne scars. 

Cortisone is a corticosteroid — a medication that acts like a steroid hormone in your body. Corticosteroids are used to treat many different medical conditions caused by inflammation or an overactive immune system. 

Cortisone can be directly injected into large cystic acne lesions to quickly reduce swelling and pain. 

Images of acne cysts

Here are some pictures showing large acne cysts. 

A large acne cyst.

A large, inflamed acne cyst.

What is it like to get a cortisone shot for acne?

Let’s say you have a painful acne lesion and your dermatologist recommends a cortisone shot. 

First, they will clean your skin. Then they’ll use a tiny needle to inject the cortisone.

Most dermatologists will administer the shot into the middle of the acne lesion. It’s typically only a very small amount (0.05 ml) of a low-concentration steroid, usually triamcinolone.

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Even though it’s only a very small amount of medication being injected, it can cause some temporary discomfort in an already tender acne lesion.

How often can you get a cortisone shot for acne?

Dermatologists recommend receiving cortisone injections only a few times in your lifetime for acne treatment. More frequent injections can increase your risk of side effects.

Keep in mind that cortisone shots can help lessen pain from cystic acne and help it heal faster. But they don’t treat the root cause of acne. Other treatments are generally needed to prevent future breakouts. 

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What results can you expect from a cortisone shot for acne?

Acne lesions generally improve in 3 to 7 days following a cortisone injection. Most people will see a flattening of their lesion and a reduction in pain within 24 to 72 hours. These effects are long-lasting and often don’t require a repeat injection.

What are the risks of getting cortisone shots for acne?

Cortisone shots for acne are generally safe, but they can cause side effects like:

• Loss of skin pigmentation (color)

• Skin thinning

• Decreased fat under your skin (atrophy)

These side effects may be temporary but can take 6 to 12 months to resolve. 

Can cortisone shots be combined with other acne treatments?

Yes, cortisone shots can and should be combined with other acne treatments.

Dermatologists recommend using cortisone shots in addition to other treatments to treat acne. 

Creams, lotions, and other topical treatments for acne include:

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Salicylic acid

• Azelaic acid

• Retinoids

• Topical antibiotics

• Winlevi

Oral medications that can help treat acne include:

• Oral antibiotics

• Hormonal birth control

• Spironolactone

• Isotretinoin 

Your dermatology team can help you decide on the best options to treat your acne. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Brian Clista, MD

Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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Images used with permission from VisualDx (www.visualdx.com).