Steroid use, whether illegal or doctor prescribed, has been noted to cause mild to severe acne depending on dosage and type of steroid. Anabolic steroid use can produce the most severe acne along the shoulders and back. Steroids increase hormone production in the body, thus stimulating the skin's sebaceous glands, causing increased oil production. This increase in oil production, along with dead skin cells and bacteria, clogs pores, causing infection and raised red pimples. You should treat steroid induced acne as soon as possible to avoid scarring and further infection such as staph.
Step 1
Wash the affected area daily using a mild antibacterial cleanser. This will kill the infection causing bacteria and remove excess oil, allowing acne to dry up and heal.
Step 2
Apply a benzoyl peroxide cream to the area after each cleansing. Benzoyl peroxide will dissolve dead skin cells and other blockages in the pores. It will also reduce redness and dry the acne.
Step 3
Apply Retin A or antibiotic creams to the area when dealing with moderate to severe acne. These products will destroy the harmful bacteria that is responsible for worsening acne.
Step 4
Consult your dermatologist concerning severe acne and the possible use of Accutane. Accutane should be used with physician supervision when using anabolic steroids.
Step 5
Discontinue recreational steroid use with the help of a reliable drug rehabilitation program. Stopping steroid use that is not medically necessary will greatly reduce acne and lower hormone levels, balancing the skin's oil production.
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