When you take steroid acne, a skin condition triggered by corticosteroid use that mimics acne but isn’t caused by oil or bacteria. Also known as corticosteroid-induced acne, it shows up as small, red bumps—often on the face, chest, or back—without the blackheads you’d expect from teenage acne. It’s not contagious, not caused by poor hygiene, and it doesn’t mean your skin is "dirty." It’s a direct reaction to the drug.
Steroid acne usually pops up after using corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs used for asthma, autoimmune diseases, or after organ transplants, whether taken orally, injected, or applied topically. It’s not rare—studies show up to 50% of people on long-term oral steroids develop it. The higher the dose and the longer you use it, the more likely you are to see it. Even short bursts of high-dose steroids, like those used for severe allergies or flare-ups, can trigger it. And it’s not just adults: teens on steroids for conditions like nephrotic syndrome often get it too.
What makes steroid acne different? It doesn’t respond to regular acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. That’s because it’s not about clogged pores—it’s about hormonal shifts. Steroids mess with your body’s natural androgen levels, which then overstimulate your oil glands. The result? Tiny, inflamed bumps that feel like a rash but look like acne. Some people mistake it for a fungal infection or an allergic reaction, which leads to the wrong treatment and more frustration.
Topical topical steroids, creams and ointments used for eczema, psoriasis, or rashes can cause it too, especially if you use strong versions on your face for more than a few weeks. That’s why dermatologists warn against using hydrocortisone or betamethasone on the face unless absolutely necessary. If you’re using one and suddenly break out, it’s probably not coincidence—it’s the steroid.
Here’s the good news: steroid acne usually clears up on its own once you stop the medication. But you can’t always stop it—especially if you’re on steroids for life-threatening conditions like lupus or severe asthma. So what do you do? Start with gentle cleansers, avoid heavy makeup or oils, and skip picking or scrubbing. In some cases, doctors will switch you to a weaker steroid or add a low-dose antibiotic like minocycline to calm the inflammation. For persistent cases, isotretinoin (Accutane) might be considered, but only after weighing the risks, since it’s a powerful drug with its own side effects.
And while steroid acne is frustrating, it’s not the only skin issue linked to steroids. Some people also get rosacea-like redness, thinning skin, or even stretch marks. That’s why monitoring your skin while on long-term steroids matters as much as checking your blood pressure or blood sugar.
The posts below give you real-world insights: how to tell steroid acne apart from other rashes, which medications are most likely to cause it, what actually works to treat it without harming your health, and how to talk to your doctor about alternatives. You’ll find no fluff—just clear, practical advice from people who’ve been there and from clinicians who’ve seen it hundreds of times.
