Intralesional Injections are, often used to treat acne scars, acne keloids, and other skin conditions. However, you should know the risks and side effects associated with these injections. In this article, we’ll discuss how intralesional steroid injections work, what to expect from them, and how to avoid them.
Treatment of keloids
In a recent study, intralesional injections for treatment of keloids were effective in one-third of patients, while 17.3% of patients experienced an adverse effect. The results suggest that compliance is likely to be low, and patients may have false expectations, which lead to poor treatment outcomes. Nevertheless, patient-reported outcomes have not been consistently assessed in keloid treatment trials, and validated tools are lacking.
The most common type of intralesional steroid injection is TAC, which is, used alone or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of keloids. It has been proven effective in reducing the size of keloid scars, relieving symptoms, and preventing recurrence of the condition. The drug is, well tolerated by patients and preferred over 5-FU, which has several serious side effects, including the possibility of Cushing’s syndrome and widening of the scar.
Intralesional steroid injections are the current standard of care for treating keloids. Generally, the steroid used in keloid treatment is triamcinolone acetonide. However, other forms of keloid treatments such as cryotherapy, radiation, and pentoxifylline are also available.
Although there are numerous techniques for intralesional injections, no one technique is universally effective. In addition, there is no single treatment that results in a permanent ablation of scars. The lack of studies and low quality of the published studies has made it difficult to establish a standard of care. Therefore, future studies must design with larger sample sizes and randomized placebo-controlled studies.
Although there are few data on the effectiveness of collagenase injections for treatment of keloids, this procedure does have some merit. It has been reported to be effective in reducing keloid size, which may be a prerequisite for surgery. Despite these findings, intralesional injections are, not recommended as a primary treatment for keloids.
Bleomycin is another medication that has proven to be effective. In one study, bleomycin reduced the number of collagen cells in the keloids. It is also effective for reducing hypertrophic scars. Multiple needle punctures may improve the drug’s penetration. In 10 white patients, a bleomycin and triamcinolone injection significantly reduced the size of the scars. The results were, sustained for two sessions.
Treatment of cystic acne
Injections of cortisone, a synthetic hormone are, used to treat cystic acne. They can reduce swelling and inflammation and can shrink large cysts. The injections can be given on the face or body. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory that helps to reduce pain, swelling, and redness.
In one study, 10 patients with nodulo-cystic acne received intralesional triamcinolone acetonide 2.5 mg/ml or lincomycin hydrochloride 75 mg/ml. The patients were, then followed up at 48 hours, one week, and one month later. Results showed a significant improvement in 75% of patients treated with injection triamcinolone while the remaining 9 patients experienced no significant change.
Cystic acne and dissecting cellulitis share a close relationship. The follicle lining membrane is, weakened by bacteria that accumulate in the follicle mouth. This can lead to rupture of the follicular lining membrane. This can result in liberation of keratin and lipoids. These can then deposit into the dermis. Eventually, this process can lead to liquefaction necrosis, which results in cystic collection of pus.
Cystic acne is a common dermatological condition. Many patients experience scarring and the condition has a negative impact on their psyche. A new method called intralesional foam sclerotherapy has shown promise for treating cystic acne. Follow-up evaluations at four, six, and 12 weeks demonstrated that intralesional sclerotherapy is effective in treating individual acne nodules.
Various steroid preparations are available for intralesional injections. The dosage is based on the location of the lesions and the clinician’s experience. The injection is a quick and painless procedure. The injections are, given with a 30-gauge needle and a one-mL syringe.
Treatment of acne scars
Treatment of acne scars with intraalesional steroid injections is a nonsurgical approach that focuses on treating the skin’s deeper layers. The process works by stimulating fibroblasts and inducing collagen synthesis. It also remodels the extracellular matrix and releases growth factors. A patient’s results depend on the type and extent of the scarring.
The procedure involves the use of a micro-needle, which is a bit larger than a needle used for acupuncture. It is relatively quick, but can cause some pain and bruising. It can also cause contact dermatitis, which is an itchy rash.
There are many different types of therapies that can be used for acne scars. However, no single therapy has a 100% success rate, which makes multimodality treatment an essential part of any successful treatment plan. The choice of treatment depends on several factors, including the type of scarring, the extent of scarring, and the patient’s preference. For instance, some treatments are, better tolerated than others, while others may have a higher cost.
For those who suffer from big acne breakouts, cortisone injections may be an effective treatment for large blemishes. However, cortisone injections are not a long-term solution. Patients need to take daily acne medication as directed to prevent future outbreaks. This can reduce the risk of scarring.
The initial review of the literature uncovered 213 articles, of which only a small fraction were, included. After further screening, the number of articles was, trimmed down to 150. Of these, 14 articles were, written in non-English. Another 17 articles dealt with non-human studies. The remaining 54 articles discussed multiple substance injections for the same scar. Of these, 38 articles were reviews and 15 described a single case report, and two did not report exact numbers of patients.
In a study published in Arch Dermatol in 2000, 1% topical clindamycin was effective in treating acne keloidalis and pseudofolliculitis. Injections of topical steroids were also effective for early papular lesions.
Side effects of intralesional steroid injections
There are some side effects of intralesional steroid injection, which you should be aware of. One of them is joint infection. This can result in pain, heat and an uneasy feeling. It can also cause weight gain. Luckily, these side effects are rare and can be avoided by limiting the amount of steroid you take. Your doctor will let you know if you’re at risk.
Another side effect of steroid injections is an allergic reaction. It’s important to know that these medicines can be dangerous, even fatal, if your body is not used to them. It is important to follow all instructions carefully and talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned. Depending on the type of treatment, you may need several sessions of intralesional steroid injections.
Injections with steroids are a common treatment for a variety of cosmetic concerns. They can reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. The most common preparation contains the active steroid triamcinolone acetonide. Other drugs, such as betamethasone, may also be used. These drugs are, used to treat keloid and hypertrophic scars, as well as lichen simplex and alopecia areata. In rare cases, they may reduce the activity of the immune system and treat autoimmune conditions.
There are numerous other side effects of intralesional steroid injection. Some injections may cause skin rash or a change in skin colour, a condition known as ecchymosis. Inflammation, infection, or scarring are also possible, as are tendon ruptures. Acute arterial thrombosis is another side effect of steroid injections.
While the risks of side effects of intralesional steroid injection are low, some people are at risk for serious side effects. A serious allergic reaction can lead to a stomach or intestinal bleed. In some rare cases, an allergic reaction can result in difficulty breathing, dizziness, and trouble breathing.
Patients should be monitored carefully after intralesional steroid injections because they may experience localized pain, which may interfere with the process. A physician can perform injections with a higher dose if a patient is experiencing more pain than usual.
