Intralesional Steroids [ILS]

Intralesional Steroids [ILS]

Intralesional steroids refer to the administration of corticosteroid medications directly into a localized area of the body, typically into or near a specific lesion or affected tissue.

Purpose

They are used to reduce

  • Inflammation.
  • Suppress immune responses.
  • Alleviate symptoms such as pain, itching, and swelling in the targeted area.

Conditions Treated

ommon conditions treated with intralesional steroids include

  • Keloids (overgrown scar tissue).
  • Immunological disorders such as

               Alopecia areata.

               Vitiligo.

               Psoriasis.

              Discoid lupus erythematosus.

              Hypertrophic lichen planus.

              Lichen simplex chronicus [neurodermatitis].       

  • Nodulocystic acne.
  • inflammatory eczema.

Steroid Types

The most commonly used corticosteroid for intralesional injections

  • Triamcinolone acetonide
  • Methylprednisolone.
  • Betamethasone may also be used depending on the condition and physician preference.

Administration

The procedure involves injecting the steroid solution directly into the lesion or adjacent tissue using a fine needle. The injection is typically performed under aseptic conditions, by qualified medical doctors.

Dosage and Frequency

The dosage and frequency of injections depend on

  • The condition being treated.
  • The severity of symptoms.
  • And individual patient response.
  • Multiple injections may be required over a period of weeks to months.

Side Effects

 Potential side effects include

  • Temporary pain or discomfort at the injection site.
  • Thinning of the skin (atrophy).
  • Changes in skin pigmentation.
  • Rarely, systemic effects if large doses are inadvertently absorbed into the bloodstream.

Precautions

Intralesional steroids should be administered by trained healthcare providers to minimize risks and maximize effectiveness. Patients with diabetes or those on anticoagulant therapy need careful monitoring due to potential complications.

FAQ’s

Intralesional corticosteroid injections are used for treating alopecia areata.

Intralesional triamcinolone injections are effective for keloids due to its ability to decrease inflammation and also in the degradation of collagen and fibroblast.   

Acne cysts, psoriasis and chronic forms of eczema are treated .

Overall, intralesional steroid injections can be an effective treatment option for localized inflammatory conditions where topical medications may not penetrate deeply enough or systemic treatments may be excessive. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.