What if steroid injection into the skin does not relieve skin lumps?

An intralesional steroid is placed into selected skin lesions to reduce inflammation and, in some cases, soften raised scar tissue. It may not change every type of lump. A lesion can be too deep, long-standing, fibrous, or caused by something other than inflammation. The injection may also need time to work, or the lump may have changed only partly. A persistent lump should be reassessed rather than assumed to need a stronger injection.

Tell the clinician when the injection was given, whether the lump became smaller or softer, and whether new lumps appeared. Do not massage, squeeze, or repeat injections without advice. Examination may clarify whether the lesion is a scar, cyst, acne-related nodule, infection, or another growth. Depending on the finding, care may involve observation, a different medicine, drainage, removal, scar treatment, or testing of tissue.

Seek prompt assessment for rapid growth, marked pain, warmth, spreading redness, pus, bleeding, ulceration, fever, or a lump that feels fixed or changes noticeably. Contact the treating clinician for a deep indentation, pale or darkened skin, or worsening pain at the injection site.

Ask what type of lump was treated, when a response should be judged, and whether examination or testing is needed. Ask about alternatives, possible skin thinning or colour change at the injection site, and which changes should lead to an earlier appointment.