From the Guidelines
I strongly advise against injecting deep pimples at home, as this can lead to serious complications and scarring, and instead recommend consulting a dermatologist for proper treatment, such as intralesional corticosteroid injections, which can help reduce inflammation and speed healing 1.
Effects of Injecting a Deep Pimple
Injecting a deep pimple, also known as a cystic acne lesion, can have significant effects on the skin and overall health. The most effective and safe way to manage deep pimples is under the care of a dermatologist.
Recommended Treatment
- Intralesional corticosteroid injections: These are recommended as an adjuvant therapy for larger acne lesions to reduce inflammation and speed healing 1.
- Topical treatments: Use topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide (2.5-10%) or salicylic acid (0.5-2%) to help manage deep pimples at home.
- Warm compresses: Apply warm compresses for 10-15 minutes several times daily to reduce inflammation.
- Avoid squeezing or picking: Refrain from squeezing or picking at deep pimples, as this can worsen inflammation and cause scarring.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (400mg every 6-8 hours) to help manage pain and inflammation.
Importance of Professional Treatment
If a deep pimple is particularly painful, large, or doesn't improve within 1-2 weeks with home care, it is essential to see a dermatologist for professional treatment. A dermatologist can assess the lesion and provide appropriate treatment, including intralesional corticosteroid injections, to prevent complications and promote healing.
Key Considerations
- Intralesional corticosteroid injections should be used judiciously for patients who are at risk of acne scarring and/or for rapid improvement in inflammation and pain 1.
- Using a lower concentration and volume of corticosteroid can minimize the risks of local corticosteroid adverse events 1.
From the Research
Effects of Injecting a Deep Pimple (Acne Cyst)
- The provided studies do not directly address the effects of injecting a deep pimple (acne cyst) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss the use of intralesional injections, such as triamcinolone acetonide, for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars, which may be related to acne cysts.
- Common adverse effects of intralesional corticosteroid injection include localized hypopigmentation, depigmentation, skin atrophy, and lipoatrophy 2, 4, 5.
- The efficacy and safety of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide for keloids and hypertrophic scars have been evaluated in several studies, with variable results 3, 4, 5.
- Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection has also been used to treat primary and recurrent chalazia, with reported success rates and minimal complications 6.
Adverse Effects
- Localized hypopigmentation and depigmentation have been reported as adverse effects of intralesional corticosteroid injection 2, 4, 5.
- Skin atrophy and lipoatrophy are also potential adverse effects of intralesional corticosteroid injection 2, 4, 5.
- Other reported adverse effects include fever, flu-like symptoms, mild pain, and inflammation at the injection site 3, 5.
Efficacy
- The efficacy of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide for keloids and hypertrophic scars has been evaluated in several studies, with variable results 3, 4, 5.
- Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection has been reported to be effective in achieving lesion regression in primary and recurrent chalazia 6.