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Is a Cortisone Shot Right for Me?
 
As anyone who has ever had acne knows, pimples seem to pop-up at the worst possible time. It seems that before prom, a big date or class pictures, you are sure to see a new pimple or a full-on breakout. What used to be seen as bad luck is now having some science put to it. In the past 10 years, scientific studies have linked stress to breakouts, which explains why new pimples appear before big events.

However, it is possible clear a pesky pimple before a big event rather than having to wait weeks for it to go away, which explains why cortisone can be such a life-saver. Cortisone is a steroid that is injected by a doctor into troublesome pimples to offer fast relief. This steroid is naturally produced by your adrenal glands and works as an anti-inflammatory agent.

According to an article by Dr. Betty Bellman of the University of Illinois Medical Center, a dermatologist will inject a small, diluted amount of cortisone directly into a pimple. Within 24 to 48 hours, the pimple will reduce in redness and swelling and sometimes even disappear completely. The procedure can be particularly effective for dealing with more painful types of acne such as nodules or cysts.

The big question everyone asks about cortisone injections is, does it hurt? After all, having a needle stuck into a painful pimple is a frightening prospect. The answer is that there is bound to be some level of discomfort but since a small needle is used, it is probably not going to be as bad as you may fear.

The real risk, according to Dr. Bellman, is having too much cortisone or too strong a concentration injected into the pimple. In such cases, a dent may appear in your skin as the pimple goes away. The dent is typically temporary but in some cases it may be permanent. This is not a frequent occurrence but, as with any medical procedure, make sure you discuss the risks with your doctor beforehand.

Like any drug, cortisone has its risks but when it comes to quickly getting rid of a pimple that comes at a bad time or is causing pain and discomfort, it really has no peer.

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