Cortisone Injections

Corticosteroid Injections

Plain-English name: Cortisone Shot

Also known asMethylprednisolone acetate (e.g., Depo-Medrol)Triamcinolone (e.g., Kenalog)Betamethasone (e.g., Celestone)

Educational info only, not medical advice. Ask a qualified provider. Disclaimer · Terms

These injections deliver synthetic corticosteroids directly to the affected area, rapidly reducing inflammation and alleviating discomfort.

Downtime: 2 days
Sessions: 1
Pain: Low
Cost per visit: Price level 3 of 5
Results start: In 2–7 days
Results last: Weeks to months

A cortisone shot that quickly calms one swollen spot, like a painful cyst.

Check first: Active infection at injection site.

Will it work for me?

Skin tone

Often used on tones I–VI.

IVery Light

IILight

IIIMedium

IVTan

VBrown

VIDeep

Often usedAsk first

General info, not a check of your own skin.

What people use it for

Tap one to see how it helps.

Skin types

Tap a profile to see what may change.

How do the brands differ?

In no special order. Ask which one they use, and why.

5 brands

Ask your provider

Which one do you use, and why that one for me?
What is the total price, and what does it include?
What side effects do you see most with it, and what do you do about them?

Before and after your visit

Plan it around your lifeMakeup, sun, workouts — see what fits around your treatment.

The visit

Duration: Minutes for the injection itself.
Total course: Typically not a continuous course; used as needed within frequency limits.
Session interval: 2–3 weeks

What to expect, and what to avoid

Recovery

A few hours; limit activity 1–2 days

Avoid sun

24 hours

No makeup

4 hours

No sweat or heat

24-48 hours

Other aftercare

Keep the area clean and dry
Call your provider if you see signs of infection

Your provider may give you different timing.

Day by day

Before your visit: ask when to start
- Avoid strenuous activity before the injection.
- Tell your provider about your medicines, allergies and health
A few days before
Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E for a few days before, if your doctor agrees
Right after your visit
- Rest the area for 24–48 hours
- Avoid hot showers, saunas and hot tubs for 24 hours
- No swimming or baths for 24 hours
- No hard exercise or heavy lifting for 24–48 hours
After your visit
- Call your provider if you see signs of infection
- Use a cold pack for swelling
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site for a day or two. Patients are usually advised to rest the injected area for 24-48 hours. Full effects typically felt within a few days to a week. Results start to show in 2–7 days.

Side effects, and who should wait

Who may want to think twice

Active infection at injection site
Uncertain diagnosis
Known steroid allergy
Caution in uncontrolled diabetes
Avoid repeated injections in the same lesion without physician review

Possible side effects

Common

Pain or bruising at the spot
A small dent in the skin, which may be permanent
Lighter or darker marks at the spot

Less common

Infection

Your own risks may differ. Ask a qualified provider.

How it works, and common myths

These injections suppress localized immune responses and inflammation by mimicking natural anti-inflammatory hormones.

A little more technical

Corticosteroid injections deliver synthetic hormones that mimic cortisol, a natural anti-inflammatory, directly into specific body areas to reduce inflammation and pain.

Corticosteroids exert their therapeutic effects by binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, leading to the transcription of anti-inflammatory genes and the repression of pro-inflammatory genes, thereby reducing cytokine production, leukocyte migration, and overall inflammatory response.

Material: Diluted Corticosteroid; A powerful anti-inflammatory medication that mimics the hormones naturally produced by your adrenal glands.
Mechanism category: Rapid Anti-Inflammatory; Instantly halts the immune system's hyperactive inflammatory response, physically shrinking cysts, nodules, and raised scars almost overnight.
Common device / product names: Methylprednisolone acetate (e.g., Depo-Medrol) · Triamcinolone (e.g., Kenalog) · Betamethasone (e.g., Celestone) · Dexamethasone · Hydrocortisone sodium succinate
Clinical descriptor: Corticosteroid Injections

Common myths

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