What Are Cortisone and Antibiotic Acne Injections?

Cortisone and antibiotic acne injections are fast-acting treatments used to reduce the size, redness, and pain of inflamed pimples, cystic acne, and nodules. These injections work by targeting deep, stubborn acne that does not respond well to topical treatments or oral medications.

How Do Cortisone and Antibiotic Injections Work?

• Cortisone Injection for Acne: A low-dose corticosteroid is injected directly into the inflamed acne lesion to reduce swelling, redness, and tenderness. It helps shrink large cystic pimples within 24 to 48 hours.
  
• Antibiotic Injection for Acne: Targets bacterial infection in acne by reducing inflammation and preventing further breakouts. It is often used for severe or persistent acne lesions that are at risk of scarring.
  
• Combination Treatment for Best Results: When used together, cortisone and antibiotic injections provide an effective approach for treating severe acne. The cortisone reduces inflammation and swelling, while the antibiotic controls bacterial growth, promoting faster healing and lowering the risk of recurrence.

Who Should Consider Acne Injections?

• Individuals with painful cystic acne or large inflammatory pimples.
• Those needing fast relief before important events.
• Patients who experience recurring acne breakouts despite oral or topical treatments.
  

Benefits of Cortisone and Antibiotic Acne Injections

Cortisone and antibiotic acne injections provide a powerful combination treatment for inflamed, cystic, and nodular acne. By delivering anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects in a single shot, this treatment works rapidly to reduce swelling, pain, and the risk of scarring.

Rapid Reduction of Swelling and Inflammation

• The cortisone component helps shrink large, inflamed pimples within 24 to 48 hours by reducing swelling and redness.
• The antibiotic component targets bacterial infection, preventing the acne from worsening and accelerating the healing process.
• This dual-action approach provides faster and more effective results.
  

Fast Pain Relief for Deep, Painful Acne

• Cystic and nodular acne can cause significant discomfort due to inflammation.
• The combination injection quickly reduces pain and pressure by calming inflammation and eliminating bacteria at the source.
• Patients often experience relief within 24 to 48 hours of treatment, making it a preferred choice for painful breakouts.

Lowers the Risk of Acne Scarring

• Large, untreated acne lesions often lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and deep acne scars.
• By shrinking inflamed pimples before they rupture, the cortisone and antibiotic injection helps prevent long-term scarring.
• This treatment is particularly beneficial for those prone to acne scars or dealing with frequent breakouts.

Targets Deep, Stubborn Acne Resistant to Other Treatments

• Some acne does not respond well to topical creams or oral antibiotics and requires direct intervention.
• This injection-based treatment reaches deep into the skin, treating acne at its core rather than just the surface.
• It is especially effective for single, large, or recurring cystic pimples that do not resolve on their own.

Quick, Convenient, and Minimally Invasive

• The procedure takes only a few minutes and requires no downtime.
• Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the injection.
• There is no need for oral medication, reducing the risk of side effects associated with long-term antibiotic use.

By combining the benefits of cortisone and antibiotics in a single injection, this treatment provides a fast, effective, and targeted solution for severe acne breakouts, helping patients achieve clearer skin with minimal disruption to their daily routine.

What to Expect During a Cortisone and Antibiotic Acne Injection Treatment

Cortisone and antibiotic acne injections are a quick and effective treatment for inflamed pimples, cystic acne, and nodular acne. Understanding what to expect during the procedure can help patients feel more prepared and confident about the treatment process.

Consultation and Assessment

• A consultation with a doctor is the first step to determine if the injection is suitable for the acne condition.
• The doctor will assess the severity of the acne and identify inflamed pimples that would benefit from the injection.
• Patients with cystic acne, nodular acne, or large inflammatory breakouts are ideal candidates for this treatment.

The Injection Procedure

• The skin is cleansed to minimize the risk of infection before the injection.
• A fine needle is used to inject a combination of cortisone and antibiotics directly into the acne lesion.
• The procedure is quick and usually takes only a few seconds.
• There is slight discomfort as the injection is targeted at the inflamed area.

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

• Mild redness or slight tenderness at the injection site may occur but usually resolves within a few hours.
• Patients should avoid touching or squeezing the treated area to allow the injection to work effectively.
• The injected pimple typically starts shrinking within 24 to 48 hours, with full improvement within a few days.
• Regular skincare and acne management routines should be continued to prevent future breakouts.

How Soon Can Results Be Seen?

• Most patients notice a reduction in swelling and inflammation within one to two days.
• Pain and discomfort associated with cystic acne or nodular acne usually improve within 24 hours.
• The injected pimple continues to flatten and heal over the next several days, reducing the risk of scarring.

Are Multiple Sessions Required?

• For isolated large pimples, a single injection is usually enough to resolve the inflammation.
• Patients with frequent cystic acne breakouts may require injections as needed for recurring flare-ups.
• Your doctor may recommend additional acne treatments, such as topical medications or laser therapy, for long-term skin improvement.

Cortisone and antibiotic acne injections offer a fast and effective solution for inflamed acne, providing relief with minimal downtime. The procedure is commonly performed in aesthetic and dermatology clinics in Singapore for those seeking immediate improvement of stubborn acne breakouts.

Side Effects and Risks of Cortisone and Antibiotic Acne Injections

Cortisone and antibiotic acne injections are a reliable treatment option for severe acne, but patients should be aware of potential side effects and risks. These can be categorized into common side effects and rare but possible risks.

Common Side Effects

• Redness and Swelling: Temporary redness and swelling at the injection site are typical and generally resolve within a few hours to a day.
• Bruising: Mild bruising can occur but usually fades within a few days.
• Tenderness: Some patients may experience slight tenderness at the injection site, which subsides quickly.

Rare but Possible Risks

• Skin Thinning (Localized): Repeated injections in the same area may cause localized skin thinning or slight indentation. If not managed carefully, this could lead to atrophic scarring.
• Hypopigmentation: Lightening of the skin at the injection site may occur, particularly in patients with darker skin tones. This effect is usually temporary but can last longer in some cases.
• Atrophic Scarring: High concentrations of Cortisone may result in atrophic scarring (depressed scars). Ensuring proper dosage minimizes this risk.
• Allergic Reaction: An allergic reaction to the injected medication is uncommon but possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cortisone and Antibiotic Acne Injections in Singapore