Local steroid injections
This page explains about local steroid injections and their use, including the possible side effects. Local steroid injections have been suggested for you because they are considered an important part of the treatment for many types of hair and scalp disorders. These include alopecia areata, frontal fibrosing alopecia, folliculitis decalvans and lichen planopilaris.
What are steroid injections and how do they work?
This medication is currently prescribed off label. This means that it is being used for a condition it was not previously meant to treat.
This treatment has only been prescribed by the consultant after careful consideration of other treatment options.
Steroids are anti-inflammatory medications that help reduce redness, swelling and discomfort. They also promote hair growth in alopecia areata.
How many injections are given?
From 2 to 10 injections may be given depending on the size of the area that is being treated. For example, a small quarter-sized area of alopecia areata may be treated with 4 injections and a full eyebrow may be treated with 5 to 6 injections.
Possible side effects from local steroid injections
The most common side effect is some discomfort at the time the medication is injected. This tends to last for about 3 to 4 seconds.
- Small indentations (hollows) to the injected areas are rare, but can happen (this is often temporary)
- Slight risk of infection at the site of injection
- Slight risk of the blood vessels at the site of the injection reddening and being more noticeable
- Headaches for a day or two
Other side effects may be possible but many patients have steroid injections without experiencing any.
If you develop any side effects after having a steroid injection, please contact Dr Takwale’s secretary. The contact details are at the end of this page.
Important points to remember
Steroid injections must not be used during pregnancy or when breast feeding because there is no research to suggest it is safe to do so.