WHAT IS STEROID ACNE?
Acne typically results from an inflammation of the oil glands in your skin and hair follicles. Acne vulgaris is the medical term for the condition, but it’s more often known as pimples, spots, or zits. The oil glands become inflamed as a result of bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) in addition to other reasons.
The signs and symptoms of steroid acne resemble those of regular acne. In contrast, systemic steroid use causes steroid acne, which makes the oil glands (sebaceous glands) more prone to infection and inflammation. Prescription drugs like prednisone or bodybuilding formulas could be steroids.
A yeast infection of the hair follicles is the root cause of Malassezia folliculitis, also referred to as fungal acne. Similar to acne vulgaris, it can develop naturally or as a side effect of oral or intravenous steroid use. Normal and steroid acne can develop at any time, although puberty is when they most frequently do. Different from steroid rosacea, which is brought on by repeated use of topical corticosteroids, is steroid acne.
GET RID OF STEROIDS ACNE
Various topical skin treatments and oral antibiotics are used in the treatment of steroid acne, just like they are in the treatment of acne vulgaris (common acne). Topical antifungals, such as shampoo containing the antifungal ketoconazole, or oral antifungals, such as itraconazole, are used to treat steroid-induced fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis).
- Oral Antibiotics: For severe and some moderate cases of steroid acne, as well as for any case with scarring, oral antibiotics from the tetracycline group are given. These medicines consist of doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline. These antibiotics eradicate the acne-causing bacteria and may also have some anti-inflammatory qualities. Children younger than 8 years old are given other antibiotics. Before you start to notice the results of skin clearing, it may take four to eight weeks of consistent antibiotic treatment. Getting a complete response can take three to six months. People of color may be advised to take oral antibiotics, even for a moderate case, as they are more likely to experience scarring from acne outbreaks. Specialists no longer recommend using topical antibiotics for acne due to the increased risk of antibiotic resistance and late onset of action.
- Benzoyl peroxide: A powerful antiseptic that aids in destroying acne-causing germs and reducing inflammation is benzoyl peroxide. It is advised for usage in mild situations where antibiotics are not necessary, as well as in conjunction with oral antibiotics. Many over-the-counter acne remedies contain benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid is occasionally added to it. It’s crucial to apply any topical treatment to your entire face, not just the visible areas while using it on your face. This is because acne originates from minute, invisible places on your face. When cleansing or applying the medication, avoid vigorously scrubbing your face because this might make an acne outbreak worse.
- Retinoids: Topical retinoids are a significant acne therapy option. Healthcare practitioners should utilize topical retinoids as much as possible in this situation because they are the cornerstone of acne treatment. Due to the availability of topical adapalene 0.1% (Differin), people can also begin utilizing topical retinoids at home. Vitamin A compounds called retinoids are available in creams, gels, and lotions. These skin care products can help to prevent acne when used topically. To observe any results, it may take three months of consistent use. Retinoids shouldn’t be used by women who are expecting or nursing.
CAUSES OF STEROID ACNE
The use of systemic (oral, intravenous, or inhaled) steroid medications results in steroid acne.
- Anabolic steroids used in bodybuilding: When anabolic steroids are used in high doses for bodybuilding, steroid acne develops in roughly 50% of users. Sustanon, often known as “Sus” and “Deca,” is a substance that frequently causes steroid acne in bodybuilders. High testosterone dosages may potentially be a factor in acne outbreaks.
- Prescription corticosteroids, such as prednisone: Steroid acne is now more prevalent due to the rising usage of corticosteroids in chemotherapy and following organ transplant surgery. After receiving prescribed steroids for several weeks, the steroid acne typically manifests. People under 30 are more prone to experience it. It also occurs more frequently in people with lighter skin.
The severity is influenced by the number of steroids used, how long you receive treatment, and how prone you are to developing acne. Although steroid acne typically develops on the chest, wearing a mask during corticosteroid inhalation therapy may increase your risk of developing facial acne.
SYMPTOMS OF STEROID ACNE
Your chest is where steroid acne most frequently appears. Thankfully, there are several efficient methods to get rid of chest acne. Additionally, the face, neck, back, and arms may exhibit it.
Some symptoms include:
- Blackheads and whiteheads that are open and closed (comedones)
- tiny red blotches (papules)
- Yellow or white dots (pustules)
- hefty, agonizing red bumps (nodules)
- cystic enlargements (pseudocysts)
Secondary symptoms from picking or scratching the acne may also occur. The spots may be more uniform than with typical, non-steroid acne if the acne is of the acne vulgaris kind. The majority of acne lesions will be the same size if the Malassezia folliculitis form of steroid acne is present. Whiteheads and blackheads, which are comedones, are typically absent.
CONCLUSION
Steroid acne is a typical adverse effect of anabolic steroid use in bodybuilding as well as prescription corticosteroids like prednisone. Whenever possible, stopping the steroid may stop the epidemic. If not, topical treatments, oral antibiotics, or antifungals should be successful. The symptoms will typically go away if the person quits using or abusing steroids, even though it may be possible to treat and possibly prevent it.
