Oral & Injectable Steroids: What You Should Know Before Taking Them
Steroids are often seen as “quick relief” medicines. Severe allergy? Take a steroid. Sudden skin flare-up? Steroid. Joint pain not settling? Injection suggested.
But what many people don’t realize is that oral steroids and steroid injections are powerful medications. They can be extremely effective — and equally harmful if taken without proper supervision.
One of the commonly used steroids in dermatology and general practice is triamcinolone acetonide — available commercially under brand names like Kenacort, Tricort, and others.
If you’ve ever searched for terms like “oral steroid side effects,” “steroid injection for allergy,” “Kenacort injection uses,” “Tricort tablet uses,” or “are steroids safe?” — this is for you.
This blog is meant to create awareness — not fear — so you can make informed decisions about steroid use.
What Are Oral Steroids?
Oral steroids are corticosteroid tablets or syrups that reduce inflammation in the body. They are commonly prescribed for:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Asthma flare-ups
- Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, urticaria
- Autoimmune disorders
- Certain inflammatory diseases
Because they work systemically (throughout the body), they provide fast relief — but they also affect multiple organs.
Many patients search online for “oral steroid for skin allergy,” “steroid tablets for itching,” or “best steroid for inflammation.” The important thing to understand is: the “best” steroid depends entirely on the medical condition and dosage control.
What Are Injectable Steroids?
Injectable steroids are given directly into muscle, joints, or specific skin lesions. They are often used when quicker or more targeted action is required.
One commonly known injectable steroid is Kenacort (a brand of triamcinolone). It is often used for:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Keloids and thick scars
- Alopecia areata (patchy hair loss)
- Certain inflammatory conditions
Another steroid medication people may hear about is Tricort, which may be prescribed in specific inflammatory or allergic conditions.
Note : These medicines should only be taken under medical prescription. Self-medication can be risky.
Why Steroids Give Fast Relief
Steroids reduce inflammation quickly. That’s why symptoms like:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Pain
- Breathing difficulty
often improve dramatically after a dose.
But this “quick relief” is also why steroids are sometimes overused or misused.
Side Effects of Oral Steroids
Long-term or repeated use can lead to:
- Weight gain
- Increased blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- Weak immunity
- Bone thinning (osteoporosis)
- Hormonal imbalance
- Gastric irritation
- Adrenal suppression
Suddenly stopping oral steroids without tapering can also cause withdrawal symptoms.
- Increased appetite
- Mood changes
- Acne
- Water retention
Sleep disturbance
Side Effects of Steroid Injections
Steroid injections like Kenacort can be very helpful in selected cases. However, overuse or incorrect dosing may lead to:
- Skin thinning
- Pigmentation changes
- Fat atrophy at injection site
- Hormonal disturbances
- Increased blood sugar
This is why dose, frequency, and indication must be carefully decided by a specialist.
The Real Problem: Unsupervised Use
The biggest concern today is not steroids themselves — it’s unsupervised or prolonged use.
Many people:
Steroids are not painkillers or general anti-allergy tablets to be taken casually.
When Are Steroids Actually Necessary?
Steroids are lifesaving and extremely beneficial when:
In dermatology and general medicine, short-term controlled steroid use is common and effective. The issue arises only when they are used casually or repeatedly without supervision.
Quick Comparison: Oral Steroids vs Injectable Steroids
| Feature | Oral Steroids | Injectable Steroids |
|---|---|---|
| How it is taken | Tablet or syrup | Injection (muscle / skin / joint) |
| How it works | Affects whole body (systemic) | Targeted or systemic depending on dose |
| Speed of action | Fast | Often faster and longer-lasting |
| Common Use | Allergy, asthma, skin flare-ups | Keloids, severe allergy, hair loss patches |
| Risk if misused | Weight gain, hormonal issues | Skin thinning, local tissue damage |
| Needs medical supervision? | Yes, always | Yes, strictly |
The Growing Problem: Over-the-Counter Steroid Cream Misuse in India
One major concern in India is the easy availability of steroid-based creams at pharmacies without prescription.
Many of these creams — often marketed or dispensed as “whitening creams,” “fairness creams,” or “instant glow creams” — contain potent steroids. People use them daily without knowing the ingredients.
Over time, this leads to:
- Skin thinning
- Persistent redness
- Burning sensation
- Increased facial hair
- Acne flare-ups
- Steroid-dependent skin
- Rebound pigmentation
This condition is often referred to as steroid-damaged face or topical steroid abuse.
Steroid creams should never be used long-term without medical supervision.
Key Takeaway
Medicines like Tricort and Kenacort are powerful medical tools — not over-the-counter quick fixes.
Relief is important. But safety is more important.
If you have been advised oral steroids or steroid injections, make sure you clearly understand:
- Why you are taking it
- How long you need it
- What side effects to watch for
- When to follow up
Your long-term health should never be compromised for temporary relief.
For More Information
If you are currently taking oral steroids, have been advised a steroid injection, or are unsure about medications like Tricort or Kenacort, it is always best to consult a qualified specialist.
- Do not self-medicate.
- Do not repeat old prescriptions.
- Do not use “whitening creams” without checking ingredients.
For proper evaluation, personalized advice, and safe treatment planning, contact a certified specialist or a reputable clinic near you.
Awareness today can prevent complications tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Prolonged or unsupervised use of steroid-based creams can cause skin thinning and long-term damage.
Yes, prolonged or incorrect use can lead to skin thinning, redness, and steroid-damaged skin.
Stopping steroids abruptly after prolonged use can cause withdrawal symptoms and hormonal imbalance. Tapering is often required.
Kenacort can be effective for severe allergies, but it must be used in the correct dose and frequency under medical guidance.
The duration depends on your medical condition. Some are prescribed for a few days, others longer — but always under supervision.
Repeated or systemic steroid use may contribute to weight gain, especially with oral steroids.
Yes, when prescribed for the right condition and duration by a qualified doctor. Problems usually arise from long-term or unsupervised use.
About Dr. Priyanka Tarale
DR. PRIYANKA TARALE Consultant Dermatologist & Laser Physician DDVL, MBBS, Fellow Dermatosurgery & Laser (IADVL, India) Fellow – Dermatologic Laser Surgery (Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok) Certified in Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM, USA)
Dr. Priyanka Tarale is a highly accomplished dermatologist and laser surgeon with 14+ years of clinical experience. Recognized among the best dermatologists in South Delhi, she has successfully treated 10,000+ patients with diverse skin and hair concerns. Her expertise spans medical dermatology, advanced laser procedures, anti-aging treatments, and minimally invasive aesthetic enhancements.
