Intralesional Steroid Injections

What is intralesional steroid injection used for?

Intralesional Steroid Injections, or Intralesional Kenalog is a common treatment used in dermatology & are a standard treatment for many skin diseases including: acne lesions, cysts, alopecia (bald spots) hair loss, eczema, abundant scar tissue (keloids, hypertrophic scars), psoriasis, lichen simplex chronicus, skin lupus, granuloma annulare, and more. Intralesional injections are extremely helpful, as they are able to bypass the outer defensive layers of the skin to reach an area that will make the greatest impact on your condition. It is common for a patient to need multiple injections, as different cases vary in severity. The goal of these injections is ideal for quick healing to reduce the inflammation within the skin, and relive pain and discomfort as well as improving the appearance. This treatment is usually reserved for tender, swollen acne nodules, or cysts that aren't responding to typical acne therapies. Prompt treatment with intralesional injections can often prevent scarring.

What are the side effects of Intralesional Steroid Injections?

• This injection is a form of steroid, which some may have an allergic reaction to. It is not very likely that you will be allergic, but it is possible may happen after injection.
• It is possible that the skin may become thinner in the area of injection (atrophy). This is not very likely, but could result in a dimpling of the skin. This tends to recover after some time.
• Bleeding may occur after any type of injection including intralesional steroids. It is also possible that the blood vessels surrounding the injection site may become more prominent after injection.
• Pigmentation can develop around the injection site.
• As with most injections, there is a chance that pain will be felt. Each area of the body has a different level of sensitivity for each individual, so discomfort is possible. Local anesthetics can be used if necessary to help with pressure or pain during the procedure.
• There is a slight possibility that a treatment may be ineffective, or that the condition may return after the injection.