Acne is a skin condition that is due to small holes in the skin, known as pores, becoming clogged. Acne can occur anywhere on the body but most commonly affects the skin, where it can cause tender and reddened lesions known as pimples. In some cases, acne can be treated using corticosteroids, but this medication should be used with care.
Hormones and Inflammation with Acne
Acne is often due to changes in hormone levels, Acne.com explains. Shifts in the levels of androgens, a type of hormone, can stimulate the production of more sebum. This extra sebum not only can result in the plugging of the pores but also fosters an environment for bacteria to grow. The bacteria cause inflammation, which is responsible for the redness, swelling and pain that acne causes.
Corticosteroids Mechanism on Acne
For cases of severe acne, corticosteroids can be used. Corticosteroids can help treat acne in two different ways, NYCDermatology.com reports. Corticosteroids can reduce the production of androgens by the adrenal glands, thus reducing sebum production. Corticosteroids are also potent blockers of inflammation and can be used to treat the redness and swelling that is caused by the immune system's response to bacteria growing within the sebum.
Administration
When corticosteroids are used to treat acne they can be taken orally or injected directly into the lesion, the American Academy of Dermatology reports. Injection of corticosteroids can help reduce the side effects, because it helps keep the medications from spreading throughout the body. Commonly used corticosteroids include prednisone and dexamethasone, NYCDermatology.com notes.
Side Effects
Although corticosteroids can be effective at treating acne, long-term use of these drugs can cause a number of side effects. Corticosteroids, particularly when taken orally, can cause truncal obesity, facial swelling and the accumulation of fat in the spine. They can also weaken the immune system, thin the skin and trigger the appearance of stretch marks, or striae, on the abdomen.
Considerations
In some cases corticosteroids can actually make acne worse. As mentioned above, corticosteroids can affect androgen production in the body. When used in high amounts, prednisone can predispose a person to develop acne, particularly in the face, Johns Hopkins University states. Topical corticosteroids which come in the form of creams or ointments should not be applied to skin affected by acne, as they may exacerbate the condition, NetDoctor reports.
