Does steroid injection into the skin treat prurigo nodularis?

Prurigo nodularis causes intensely itchy, firm bumps that can become thicker as scratching continues. An intralesional corticosteroid is placed inside a chosen nodule to reduce local inflammation and may make that lesion less raised or itchy. It is most relevant when a few nodules are especially persistent or disruptive.

This approach does not remove the tendency to itch, and new nodules may appear if scratching, dry skin, nerve irritation, or another trigger continues. Possible local effects include temporary soreness, skin thinning, or a change in colour. The clinician will balance the lesion's thickness and location against these risks.

A dermatology review can confirm that the bumps fit prurigo nodularis and create a plan for both itch control and skin healing. Keep nails short, use fragrance-free moisturiser regularly, and cover or protect areas that are scratched during sleep. Tell the clinician about sleep disruption, bleeding, previous treatments, and any medicines that affect immunity or healing.

Contact a clinician promptly if a nodule becomes hot, rapidly swollen, increasingly painful, or starts draining. Seek urgent assessment for fever, rapidly spreading redness, or feeling very unwell. A lesion that changes in colour, shape, or bleeding pattern also needs examination rather than repeated scratching or injection.

Ask which nodules are suitable, how itch control will be handled between visits, and how long local soreness or skin thinning might last. Ask whether a biopsy or another treatment is needed when a bump does not behave like the others.