Cortisone shots are a common medical intervention used to address various types of cysts. These injections deliver a synthetic corticosteroid directly into the affected area, which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. By reducing swelling, redness, and discomfort, cortisone shots aim to accelerate the healing process by calming the inflammation within the cyst itself. This targeted approach helps manage symptomatic cysts, offering relief and promoting resolution.
Typical Timeline for Cyst Resolution
The time for a cyst to resolve after a cortisone shot varies, but many experience rapid improvement. For common inflammatory cysts like acne cysts, noticeable reduction in size and discomfort often occurs within 24 to 48 hours. Significant shrinkage is observed within a few days, with full effects apparent over several days to a few weeks. The beneficial effects for acne cysts can persist for several weeks to months.
While inflammatory cysts often respond quickly, other types may have different timelines. For instance, corticosteroid injections for ganglion cysts, often found near joints, may improve functional symptoms but have a notable recurrence rate. The healing response for bone cysts after steroid injections can be unpredictable and incomplete, with radiological changes taking at least three months to be assessed. Initial relief is common, but complete resolution or long-term disappearance varies considerably depending on the cyst type.
Factors Influencing Healing Time
Several elements influence how quickly a cyst resolves following a cortisone injection. The type of cyst plays a significant role, as cortisone injections are most effective for cysts with an inflammatory component, such as cystic acne or inflamed sebaceous cysts. Cysts that are not inflamed or are primarily fluid-filled may show less dramatic or sustained improvement.
The size and depth of the cyst also affect healing, with larger or deeper lesions potentially requiring more time or additional treatments. Cysts closer to the skin’s surface respond more readily to the localized injection. An individual’s biological response to the medication also influences the speed and extent of resolution. If a cyst has a history of recurring, its response to subsequent injections might differ, as the shot does not address the underlying cause of cyst formation, which can lead to re-accumulation.
What to Expect After the Shot
After a cortisone shot, patients experience some immediate effects at the injection site. Mild pain, tenderness, or slight redness are common and subside within 24 to 48 hours. Some individuals might also notice a temporary feeling of warmth or flushing.
The primary goal of the injection is to reduce inflammation, and the cyst begins to flatten and decrease in size within 24 to 72 hours. Any associated pain and discomfort should lessen. The cyst may not entirely vanish, but it should become significantly smaller and less noticeable, reducing discomfort and scarring risk. Contact a healthcare provider if the cyst shows no improvement after several days, increases in size or pain, or if signs of infection like spreading redness, increased warmth, or discharge develop. Recurrence also warrants further medical consultation.