Steroid acne is a skin condition that looks like acne, but is caused by high levels of corticosteroids in the blood. This could mean an underlying factor is present, such as Cushings disease, systemic steroid medicine, anabolic steroid use, or use of skin creams containing steroids. Treatments vary depending on the cause.
Steroid acne comes in two forms: acne vulgaris (‘regular’ acne) and malassezia folliculitis.
Steroid acne most often affects teenagers or adults who are on oral steroids for several weeks. You may have another underlying condition that is being treated, with steroid acne being a side effect.
Steroid acne is most often found on the chest, but can appear on the face, neck, back and arms. If you already have a tendency towards acne, steroids may aggravate the condition. Steroid acne pimples and lesions tend to all look the same, as opposed to regular acne where the spots may vary in size, colour and severity.
Malassezia folliculitis is a yeast infection, with itchy papules and pustules on the chest and back, with most of them the same size. Pimples are usually not a feature.
Treatments for steroid acne include just waiting and seeing if it passes – some steroid acne will go away on its own as your body adjusts to the steroid treatment. When you stop taking the steroids, the acne will clear up on its own. Sometimes further treatment may be necessary, which depends on the type – acne vulgaris is treated with topical and oral treatments (like antibiotics) and malassezia folliculitis is treated with antifungals.
We have effective treatments for all forms of acne.
Contact us
*With all surgeries or procedures, there are risks. Consult your physician (GP) before undertaking any surgical or cosmetic procedure. Please read the consent forms carefully and be informed about every aspect of your treatment. Surgeries such as liposuction have a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period to give patients adequate time to be sure of their surgery choice. Results may also vary from person to person due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. Before and after photos are only relevant to the patient in the photo and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. Ask questions. Our team of dermatologists, doctors and nurses are here to help you with any of your queries. This page is not advice and is intended to be informational only. We endeavour to keep all our information up to date; however, this site is intended as a guide and not a definitive information portal or in any way constitutes medical advice.
"*" indicates required fields
Combining Dr Rich’s dermatological skill with his knowledge of restorative skin regimes and treatments, the ENRICH range is formulated to help maintain and complement your skin. Our signature Vitamin C Day & Night creams are now joined by a Vit A, B,&C Serum and a B5 Hyaluronic Gel, both with hydration properties and much, much more.
While all scars are a natural part of the healing process, some may be more visually unappealing than others, leading to a desire for their removal or improvement.
Not sure if the bumps on your face are hormonal acne or not? You’ve come to the right place.
You’re having flare-ups, but you think you’re too old to have acne. Or are you? We distinguish between the myths and the facts and explain adult acne in detail and provide some useful tips on how to treat adult acne.
Menopause is a process that will happen to all women at some point in their life. It is the time when you stop experiencing your monthly period, and it is most often the end of the reproductive lifecycle.
Subscribe to the ENRICH newsletter and receive latest news & updates from our team.
Enrich Clinic acknowledges the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nations on which we work and trade. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. We extend our acknowledgement and respect to the LGBTQIA+ community who we welcome and support. Read our full Acknowledgement Statement here
