Steroid acne most often occurs on the chest but may also develop on the face, neck, back and arms. It most often affects adolescent or adult patients who have been taking moderate or high doses of oral steroids such as prednisone for several weeks. Steroid acne presents with small skin bumps, which may itch. Sometimes they are pustular. Unlike acne vulgaris , most of the lesions are the same size.
Nodules are rare.
Usually the steroids aggravate a prior tendency to acne, but in some patients the skin problem is caused by pityrosporum folliculitis . Steroid acne on the chest Close-up of steroid acne Treatment Steroid acne may clear despite continuing the steroid medication. It usually however persists until the steroid medication is discontinued. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, and its cause. If you have steroid acne, see your general practitioner or consult a dermatologist for advice.