Intralesional Steroid Injection

Intralesional steroid injection places a corticosteroid directly into selected inflamed, thickened, or raised skin lesions.

This treatment delivers a small amount of corticosteroid into a targeted skin lesion. The medicine reduces local inflammation and can soften or flatten some raised scars, nodules, cyst-related inflammation, and other selected dermatological conditions. The dose, dilution, depth, and number of injection sites are chosen for the lesion and body area.

The needle pinch and medicine entering firm or inflamed tissue can sting briefly. A clinician may use cooling, a topical numbing measure, or a fine needle when appropriate. Tenderness, swelling, or a temporary change in colour can follow, especially in a sensitive area.

It can be suitable when the diagnosis and lesion are clear, but safety depends on the medicine concentration, injection depth, skin type, and medical history. Local side effects are more likely if the steroid spreads beyond the target. Tell the clinician about infection, poor healing, diabetes, pregnancy, and previous steroid reactions.

Improvement may persist after inflammation settles, but the underlying condition can return and some lesions need a planned series of treatments. Results depend on diagnosis, lesion depth, activity, and whether another treatment is used alongside the injection.

The injection is local, but the clinician still considers whole-body risks and interactions. It should not be injected into an undiagnosed lesion or an area with active infection.

Dermatologists may use intralesional steroid injection for selected keloid or hypertrophic scars, inflammatory nodules, and some inflammatory scalp or nail conditions. It may also be considered for lesions such as [Granuloma Annulare](/conditions/granuloma-annulare/) or [Prurigo Nodularis](/conditions/prurigo-nodularis/) when the clinical assessment supports it.

The clinician confirms the diagnosis, marks the target, cleans the skin, and injects the medicine at the planned depth. Several small injection points may be used for a broad lesion. The area is observed briefly, and you receive instructions about washing, friction, sun exposure, and warning signs.

Most people can return to ordinary activity unless the treated site is sore or under pressure. Keep the area clean, avoid rubbing it, and follow any dressing advice. Contact the clinic if swelling rapidly increases, the area becomes hot or draining, or a hollow, pale, or dark patch develops.

Possible local effects include skin thinning, a depressed indentation, light or dark pigment change, visible small blood vessels, acne-like spots, infection, and delayed healing. Rarely, steroid can affect the wider body, particularly with repeated or extensive treatment. Follow-up helps identify unwanted changes early.

Options depend on the diagnosis and may include topical medicine, pressure therapy, surgery, drainage, light-based treatment, or observation. For example, a [Keloid Scar](/conditions/keloid/) may need a combined plan, while a [Skin Cyst](/conditions/epidermoid-cyst/) may require a different procedure if it is not mainly inflamed.

Choose a dermatologist or trained clinician who can identify the lesion, select an appropriate steroid preparation, and explain the plan for repeat injections. Ask how pigment changes and skin thinning will be monitored, especially for facial, scalp, or darker skin.