Acne cyst Kenalog injection aftercare

Leave the area untouched

Avoid touching, scratching, or squeezing the injected area. Let the medication work without interference to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Apply ice (if advised)

If your practitioner recommends it, you can apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to the injected area for 10-⁠15 minutes at a time. This can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Keep the area clean

Follow your practitioner’s instructions on cleaning the injection site. Typically, you can gently clean the area with mild soap and water twice a day. Avoid using harsh cleansers or scrubbing the area vigorously.

Avoid excessive heat and sunlight

Minimize sun exposure to the injected area, as corticosteroids can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you must go outside, use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves.

Moisturize (if advised)

Depending on your practitioner’s recommendations, you may apply a mild, non-comedogenic moisturizer to the injected area to keep the skin hydrated and prevent excessive dryness.

Limit physical activity

Avoid rigorous exercise or activities that cause excessive sweating for the first 24 hours after the injection. Sweating may irritate the injection site or lead to infection.

Follow your practitioner’s instructions

Be sure to adhere to any specific after-care instructions provided by your practitioner which may include any additional medications or creams to apply, dietary guidelines, or potential warning signs of complications to watch out for.

Watch for adverse reactions

While uncommon, there can be side effects or adverse reactions to Kenalog injections. If you experience severe pain, swelling, redness, or any signs of infection (such as fever), contact your healthcare provider immediately. Hyperpigmentation, thin skin or a temporary skin indentation from lipoatrophy at the injection site can occur.

Be patient

It may take some time to see the full effects of the Kenalog injection. Results can vary based on the individual and the severity of the acne cyst.

Follow-up appointments

Schedule any follow-up appointments recommended by your practitioner. The progress of the response from the injection will be assessed and your practitioner will determine if any further treatment is necessary. Remember that everyone’s skin and response to treatments can differ.

If you have any concerns or questions about your after-care, do not hesitate to reach out to your practitioner for guidance.