What Are Intralesional Steroid Injections?
Intralesional steroid injections involve injecting a corticosteroid solution directly into a lesion or affected skin area to reduce inflammation and suppress excessive tissue growth. This treatment is commonly used for:
- Keloids and hypertrophic scars – Helps flatten raised scars and reduce redness.
- Cystic acne – Quickly reduces swelling and pain in deep, inflamed acne.
- Alopecia areata – Stimulates hair regrowth by reducing scalp inflammation.
- Psoriasis plaques – Targets thick, scaly patches resistant to other treatments.
- Lichen planus and other inflammatory skin conditions – Helps manage chronic inflammation.
Skin Conditions Treated with Intralesional Steroid Injections
1. Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars
Keloids and hypertrophic scars occur when excess collagen forms during wound healing, leading to raised, thickened scars. Intralesional steroid injections help by:
- Reducing scar thickness
- Softening and flattening raised scars
- Minimizing redness and itchiness
Treatment Plan: Most patients require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal results.
2. Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne characterized by deep, painful nodules that can lead to scarring. Intralesional corticosteroid injections provide rapid relief by:
- Reducing inflammation and swelling
- Minimizing pain and tenderness
- Preventing acne scars
Treatment Plan: Visible improvement often occurs within 24 to 48 hours after injection.
3. Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss in patches. Intralesional steroid injections help by:
- Suppressing immune system attacks on hair follicles
- Encouraging hair regrowth
- Reducing scalp inflammation
Treatment Plan: Injections are administered every 4 to 6 weeks for best results.
4. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that leads to scaly, red patches on the skin. Intralesional steroid injections can be used to:
- Reduce thick, stubborn plaques
- Alleviate itching and discomfort
- Target localized areas that don’t respond to topical treatments
Treatment Plan: Injections are used for isolated, resistant plaques.
5. Lichen Planus and Other Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, flat, purplish bumps. Intralesional steroid injections help by:
- Reducing inflammation and skin lesions
- Preventing scarring and pigmentation changes
- Providing long-term symptom relief
Treatment Plan: Injections may be repeated monthly based on severity.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Step 1: Consultation – Your dermatologist will assess your skin condition and determine if intralesional steroid injections are the right treatment.
Step 2: Skin Preparation – The targeted area is cleaned and, if needed, numbed with a local anesthetic.
Step 3: Injection – A fine needle is used to inject the corticosteroid solution directly into the lesion or affected area.
Step 4: Aftercare Instructions – Your dermatologist will provide guidance on post-treatment care to ensure optimal healing.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following a steroid injection, most patients experience relief within a few days. Proper aftercare includes:
- Avoiding excessive pressure on the treated area
- Keeping the skin clean and moisturized
- Using sunscreen to protect treated scars from discoloration
- Following up with your dermatologist for additional treatments if needed
Are Intralesional Steroid Injections Safe?
Yes. When administered by an experienced dermatologist, intralesional steroid injections are safe and highly effective. Side effects are rare but may include:
- Mild pain or redness at the injection site
- Temporary skin thinning in treated areas
- Changes in skin pigmentation (especially for dark skin tones)
Most side effects resolve on their own, and your dermatologist will take precautions to minimize risks.
Why Choose Skin by Dr. Nancy for Intralesional Steroid Injections?
At Skin by Dr. Nancy, we provide expert dermatological treatments tailored to your skin’s needs. Here’s why patients trust us:
- ✅ Experienced Dermatologists: Our specialists have extensive experience in administering safe and effective intralesional steroid treatments.
- ✅ Advanced Techniques: We use precision-based injections for maximum results with minimal discomfort.
- ✅ Personalized Treatment Plans: We customize treatment to target your specific skin concerns.
- ✅ Fast-Acting Relief: Many patients see visible improvement within days.
- ✅ Comprehensive Skin Care: We offer a full range of dermatological services to support your skin health.
What intralesional injection is used for
Injecting treatment directly into a lesion delivers it exactly where it is needed, at a strength that would be unsafe applied over larger areas and a depth that creams cannot reach. That combination makes it the treatment of choice for a specific set of problems.
| Condition | What the injection does | Typical course |
|---|
| Keloids and hypertrophic scars | Flattens and softens; settles itch and tenderness | Several sessions weeks apart |
| Alopecia areata | Calms inflammation around follicles to allow regrowth | Repeated at intervals while active |
| Thick psoriasis plaques | Treats stubborn plaques topicals cannot penetrate | Occasional, for a few resistant sites |
| Severe nodular acne | Settles a large painful cyst quickly | Usually a single injection to that lesion |
| Discoid lupus, granuloma annulare | Targets localised inflammatory patches | Varies with response |
The acne use is worth knowing about. A single large, painful nodule before an important event can often be settled far faster this way than with any cream or tablet – and it reduces the chance of that particular lesion scarring.
What to expect during and after
- The lesion is examined and measured, and the dose judged to its size and thickness.
- A very fine needle is used. Keloids are firm and resist the needle, so those are the more uncomfortable ones; it is brief.
- You may feel pressure and stinging as the medication enters.
- No dressing is usually needed and you carry on with your day.
Possible effects to know about
- Skin thinning at the site, or a small dent, if too much is given or injections are repeated too often. This is why dose and interval are judged carefully rather than maximised.
- Lightening of the skin around the injection site, which is more visible on deeply pigmented skin and usually improves over months.
- Small visible blood vessels at the site.
- Temporary soreness for a day or two.
These are the reason intervals between sessions exist. Requesting more frequent injections to speed things up trades a faster result for a permanent dent, which is a poor bargain.
Why the interval matters
Sessions are typically spaced several weeks apart because the medication continues working long after the appointment. Judging the result too early leads to overtreatment. The lesion is reassessed at each visit and the dose adjusted to how it has responded, which is why attending the review matters as much as attending the injection.
Alopecia areata and injections
Alopecia areata produces well-defined smooth bald patches, often appearing over a few weeks. Where patches are limited in number, injecting directly into and around them can settle the inflammation attacking the follicles and allow regrowth.
Two things are worth knowing. The follicles in alopecia areata are not destroyed, which is why regrowth is genuinely possible – unlike scarring conditions. And regrowth is slow, often appearing first as fine, pale hair that thickens and darkens over months. Judging it after four weeks tells you nothing. See hair loss treatment.
Why the injection goes where it does
Depth matters as much as dose. Too superficial and the medication sits where it causes thinning and pigment change without reaching the target; too deep and it is wasted below the lesion. This is the part that separates a treatment from a procedure – the same medication placed correctly does its job, and placed carelessly leaves a dent.
It is also why the number of sites and the total volume are tracked between sessions rather than judged fresh each time.
What to tell us before your injection
Mention any diabetes, since steroid injections can raise blood sugar temporarily. Mention pregnancy or breastfeeding. Mention any infection at or near the site, because injecting into infected skin is avoided. And say how the last session went – more soreness than expected, or a pale patch appearing – since both influence the dose next time.
A note on the medication used
The steroid used for intralesional injection is not the same as the tablets people worry about, and the amount reaching the rest of the body is very small. The relevant risks are local – thinning, pigment change, a dent at the site – which is precisely why dose and interval are judged carefully rather than maximised for speed.
Booking an injection appointment
Say what the injection is for when you call, since keloids, alopecia patches and acne nodules need different amounts of time. Bring details of any previous injections and how they went.
Intralesional injections – questions patients ask
How painful is it?
It varies with the lesion. Keloids are firm and resist the needle, so those are the more uncomfortable; alopecia areata and acne injections are usually well tolerated. It is over in seconds and most people find later sessions easier as the lesion softens.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the condition and the size of the lesion. Keloids typically need a course spaced several weeks apart; a single acne nodule usually needs one. You will be given a realistic number rather than an open-ended commitment.
Can I have them more often to speed things up?
No, and this is one worth accepting. Injecting too frequently causes skin thinning and permanent dents. The interval is what keeps the treatment safe.
Will it leave a pale patch?
Sometimes there is lightening around the site, more noticeable on deeply pigmented skin. It usually improves over months, and dose is judged with this in mind.
Is it the same as a cortisone injection for joints?
Same family of medication, very different dose and target. Here it is placed into the skin lesion itself in small amounts, not into a joint.
Can I have injections while pregnant?
Generally these are avoided during pregnancy unless there is a compelling reason. Tell us if you are pregnant or trying to conceive and the plan is adjusted.
Book an Appointment for Intralesional Steroid Injections
If you have keloids, acne cysts, alopecia, psoriasis, or other inflammatory skin conditions, intralesional steroid injections can provide fast and effective relief. At Skin by Dr. Nancy, we offer expert care tailored to your skin’s unique needs.
📅 Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards healthier skin.
📍 Location: Applewood, Adams Arcade
📞 Call Us: 0728 566990
📧 Email: info@skinbydrnancy.com
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