This article suggests a simple therapy that may help with the skin atrophy:
1: Dermatol Surg. 2005 Oct;31(10):1340-3.Click here to read Links
Treatment of local, persistent cutaneous atrophy following corticosteroid injection with normal saline infiltration.
Shumaker PR, Rao J, Goldman MP.
Dermatology Department, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA, USA.
BACKGROUND: Injections of corticosteroids are commonly used for a variety a dermatologic conditions but may cause local, persistent cutaneous atrophy, with few therapeutic options. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of bacteriostatic normal saline infiltration on the improvement of corticosteroid-induced cutaneous atrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four patients with corticosteroid-induced atrophy of the skin, two caused by acneiform cysts and one from intramuscular steroid injection, were treated with weekly injections of normal saline directly into the atrophic site. The patients were seen on weekly follow-up visits, and improvement was documented. RESULTS: All four patients demonstrated complete resolution of skin atrophy and restoration of surface contour within 4 to 8 weeks of initial presentation. Injected volumes of normal saline ranged from 5 to 20 cm(3) per treatment session and three to six weekly treatments. The patients were completely satisfied with these results. CONCLUSION: Normal saline infiltration offers a safe, tolerable, relatively rapid, and effective treatment for local, persistent corticosteroid-induced atrophy.
PMID: 16188192
I have the same problem. I was not warned either. They just made me wait 5 mins after getting the shot to see if I was allergic to it. Mine is kind of painful. Not bad just like a bruise. It has gotten worse and is still white. I am very upset to see that this is a common problem. Why weren't we warned?
I had a similar experience appox 12 years ago with kenalog. The atrophy did not resolve itself on its own. After 3 years I had 2 reconstructive surgeries, that were mildly successful. I also pursued a lawsuit, but ended up settling out of court because my lawyers knew they could not prove malpractice to 100% without a doubt.
I think I am having this same problem! How long after your injections did you notice the denting? It's been 2 1/2 months for me and the dent and reddish/scar like coloration has appeared.
emotional side effects atrophy second opinion nurse long time naval medical center san diego ca naval medical center san diego atrophy of the skin naval medical center skin atrophy dermatology department dermatologic conditions steroid injection initial presentation treatment session skin two therapeutic options san diego ca corticosteroids infiltration cysts materials and methods cm 3 surg ca usa bruise reconstructive surgeries kenalog malpractice 3 years lawyers doubt coloration scar