Are there any side effects to regular Kenalog Shots for acne?

I agree with the answers by Dr Winston and Dr Israr. Intralesional injections are mainly recommended for acne cyst. As previously mentioned, frequent steroid injections can caused skin thinning and atrophy and if this happens it may be irreversible!

There are many other effective treatments to get the acne under control like oral antibiotics and isotretinoin. So speak to your dermatologist and tell her your concerns and discuss if these other options are suitable for you.

The dosage of injection of steroids is very low.

However, if you keep having shots very often, there will be issues such as skin atrophy (dents, loss of skin color) and skin thinning.

Please re-evaluate your whole acne treatment regime to reduce such occurrences!

Here are a few questions to consider:

1. Do you get big cystic ones just before periods? If so, a daily contraceptive pill to regulate your hormones will be good.
2. Are your nails long and do you like to pick at your face? Lots of bacteria are hiding underneath your nails.
3. Do you have lots of body hair? Irregular menses? These are signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
4. Do you lack good acne treatment cleansers, serums? Do consider getting one that suits your skin.

I’d suggest speaking to your doctor, or getting a second opinion if you are unsure about your other treatment options.

The side effect that is most of concern is that there may be skin thinning and skin dystrophy if the jabs are performed too frequently over the same area.

There are other treatments available for small bumps, and you should consider them. This includes topical applications.

There are also other more permanent solutions such as oral Accutane.

Bearing in mind of course that each of these can also come with their own side effects, and you should weigh this up with the doctor treating you!

The dosage of injection of steroids is very low.

However, if you keep having shots very often, there will be issues such as skin atrophy (dents, loss of skin color) and skin thinning.

Please re-evaluate your whole acne treatment regime to reduce such occurrences!

Here are a few questions to consider:

1. Do you get big cystic ones just before periods? If so, a daily contraceptive pill to regulate your hormones will be good.
2. Are your nails long and do you like to pick at your face? Lots of bacteria are hiding underneath your nails.
3. Do you have lots of body hair? Irregular menses? These are signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
4. Do you lack good acne treatment cleansers, serums? Do consider getting one that suits your skin.

I’d suggest speaking to your doctor, or getting a second opinion if you are unsure about your other treatment options.