Preventive Measures and Causes of Steroid Acne

Updated on: 18th July, 2022

Acne is a skin problem that happens when oil(sebum) and dead skin cells block your hair follicles. This can lead to pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. 

Acne can be a problem of all age groups, though teenagers are the most common sufferers. No matter age, acne can affect your self-esteem. It’s best to seek help from your healthcare provider early so they can help determine the best treatment option(s) for you.

Everyone wants a quick solution, and getting over the counter creams directly from the pharmacy always seems like the easy option. But do you know that overuse and wrong use of certain cosmetic creams have now given rise to a new form of acne – Steroid Acne! 

Acne induced by the usage of steroidal creams or the absorption of too much steroidal medication or supplements is known as steroid acne.

Steroids are hormones that have numerous functions in the body and are created naturally in our bodies. They also contain powerful anti-inflammatory and cell-building qualities, which is why they’re employed in medicine.

Oral steroids can save lives and are used as a first-line treatment for a variety of disorders. Steroid creams are also used as a first-line treatment for a variety of skin conditions. Anabolic steroids, often known as steroid supplements, are steroids that are given orally to help grow muscle in the body. 

Because of their fast and seemingly magical benefits, these drugs can be misused, resulting in a variety of negative effects, including steroid acne.

Steroid acne is very similar to typical acne. But they are notorious in a way that they do not respond well to routine treatment. Most of the time steroid acne is highly resistant to treatmentand is associated with skin irritation and sensitivity.

Steroid acne could also happen as a consequence of long-term use of creams such as fairness cream; if you rely on a cream that a doctor or dermatologist does not advise, you may develop acne. 

Taking oral steroids for a long time to treat some medical disorders might also cause acne.

Schedule an appointment with the dermatologist at any time if you are facing an acne issue.  There really is no such thing as too little acne to warrant a visit to the dermatologist.  Even if you don’t have active acne and only acne scars, you can still pay a visit to the dermatologist.

Also, if over-the-counter steroid acne treatments haven’t worked for more than three months, make an appointment as soon as possible.

Your dermatologist will examine your acne at your session and may then prescribe medicine to apply to your skin (which your doctor may refer to as “topical,” indicating it goes on your skin) as well as pills to aid further.

Most prescription acne medications take four to eight weeks to show benefits. Acne can last for months or even years before it clears up completely.

Your doctor’s treatment plan will be based on your age, the nature and complexity of your acne, and how much time you’re ready to devote to it.

Discuss the risks and advantages of any drugs or other therapies you are considering with your dermatologist.

However, if your dermatologist suggests some cream or tablet for a month, make sure you are only giving a month to the cream/tablet and not continuing it further if not advised by your dermatologist.  And until your skin recovers, schedule follow-up consultations with your doctor every three to six months.

According to the FDA, anyone consuming bodybuilding supplements that claim to include steroids or steroid-like compounds must quit using them right away and talk to their doctor about the supplements they’ve been using and any potential health dangers.

As stated above, the main cause of steroid acne is the usage of steroids, if taken in excessive amounts, it can lead to excessive skin problems. Eliminating or lowering steroid use can help you get rid of acne.   There is no way to quit taking steroids if they were prescribed to prevent other significant outcomes, such as rejection of a transplanted organ. Acne will almost certainly require treatment.

Acne outbreaks may be exacerbated by oily foods, some dairy items, and, even more so, sugar. You might want to consider trying an anti-acne diet.

While certain foods, as well as cosmetics, may contribute to acne breakouts, avoiding them will not always make your acne disappear. You will have to see a dermatologist for a safe and effective acne treatment in Pune.