A female asked:
I had a cortisone shot 4 months ago, is it possibly for the side effects to just now start? i had a cortisone shot 4 months ago. is it possibly for the side effects to just now start? i have this spot on my upper arm (in the general area i received the co
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Daniel Kingsburyanswered
Pediatric Rheumatology 39 years experience
Yes : Yes - one of the side effects to corticosteroid (i.e. Cortisone) injections is lipoatrophy. Lipoatrophy is the medical term for loss of fat under the skin. The steroid medicine can dissolve the fat under the skin and cause a depression, or scar. It can also affect the cells that make pigment, so that the overlying skin can look lighter. This side effect typically occurs several months after the injection and can progress, somewaht, over several months. In many patients, the area can fill back in with fat cells, but this can take several years. It is purely a cosmetic blemish and may very well improve with time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Arnold Bereshanswered
Podiatry 43 years experience
Probablt: Side effects will show up shortly after the medication is administered.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 3, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.