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What Are the Different Types of Steroids for Inflammation?

David Bishop
David Bishop

Steroids are a class of synthetic drugs designed to replicate the effects of naturally occurring hormones within the body. Steroids can be prescribed for a variety of conditions and are often used to treat the inflammation of muscles, joints and blood vessels. The main types of steroids for inflammation are known as corticosteroids and include drugs such as hydrocortisone and prednisone. These drugs can be given orally, topically or via injection or inhaler. Unlike anabolic steroids, these drugs will not enhance muscle development.

Topical solutions are one of the most commonly available steroids used for inflammation. Hydrocortisone is often given to treat minor inflammation resulting from insect bites, allergies and other skin irritants. It also may be given to help relieve more serious skin conditions and symptoms resulting from hemorrhoids. Topical steroids are usually available as over-the-counter creams, gels and other types of ointments. Medications with stronger concentrations of greater than 1 percent may require a prescription from a physician.

Patients may be administered corticosteroids via inhaler.
Patients may be administered corticosteroids via inhaler.

Oral corticosteroids are only available with a prescription in the United States. These are usually given to a patient as a course of pills or tablets. Both hydrocortisone and prednisone are commonly prescribed oral steroids for inflammation resulting from various forms of arthritis, asthma and other medical conditions. When taking corticosteroids, it is important to remember to take each dose as prescribed by the doctor. This will help ensure a continuous level of synthetic hormones in the bloodstream.

Corticosteroids may be injected directly into an inflamed area.
Corticosteroids may be injected directly into an inflamed area.

In some cases, corticosteroids may be injected directly into the inflamed area. This is often done in severe cases of arthritis or for joint injuries that may limit mobility. In some cases, these injections can bring patients relief from pain and inflammation for weeks or months at a time.

Asthma patients may be administered corticosteroids via inhaler or nasal spray. When inhaled, the steroids help prevent the inflammation of the lungs and airways associated with asthma and other breathing disorders. Steroid inhalers are typically used for long-term control of asthma rather than for fast-acting relief.

Patients may be administered corticosteroids via nasal spray.
Patients may be administered corticosteroids via nasal spray.

When taking steroids for inflammation, it is important for patients to be aware of the potential for long- and short-term side effects. While many patients experience only mild side effects, others can develop a dangerous allergic reaction to corticosteroids. Patients who take multiple doses of steroids can also experience bone density loss over time. Patients should discuss the risks and potential for side effects with their physician before beginning a course of corticosteroids.

Discussion Comments

bluedolphin

I had an allergic rash to mites last week. My legs were covered in red, itchy bumps. I went to the pharmacy and showed the pharmacist my legs. She gave me a corticosteroid topical cream. I applied it right away and the rash disappeared in twenty minutes!

discographer

@donasmrs-- Yea, I've gotten several of them for my chronic arthritis. Cortisone is really a very good steroid. It relieves inflammation and pain quickly and is effective for a long time.

If pain relievers, muscle-relaxers and other anti-inflammatory drugs are not working, doctors do often recommend cortisone. But it's not meant to be used for the long-term because it has side effects. It causes weight gain and also increases blood sugar levels. So if you have diabetes, you have to be careful.

I gained several pounds when I received cortisone shots. But it helped relieve my arthritis pain and I lost the weight after some time. Unless it's really necessary, I don't want to get it again though. I think of it as a last resort for severe inflammation.

donasmrs

Has anyone ever received a cortisone shot?

I have a pinched nerve and a lot of inflammation in my lower back. My doctor said that if my pain doesn't resolve by next week, I should get a cortisone shot which will give me relief for a long time.

I don't like receiving shots, so I hope I don't need it. But are cortisone shots really as effective as my doctor says?

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    • Patients may be administered corticosteroids via inhaler.
      By: goce risteski
      Patients may be administered corticosteroids via inhaler.
    • Corticosteroids may be injected directly into an inflamed area.
      By: luiscarceller
      Corticosteroids may be injected directly into an inflamed area.
    • Patients may be administered corticosteroids via nasal spray.
      By: Ken Hurst
      Patients may be administered corticosteroids via nasal spray.
    • Prednisone tablets can have many effects on the body, but are most commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties.
      By: Thirteen Of Clubs
      Prednisone tablets can have many effects on the body, but are most commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Topical hydrocortisone is a steroid cream that treats minor inflammation, allergies and other skin irritants.
      By: carroteater
      Topical hydrocortisone is a steroid cream that treats minor inflammation, allergies and other skin irritants.
    • Because prednisone can affect the adrenal glands' production of cortisol, stopping the drug can cause adrenal insufficiency.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Because prednisone can affect the adrenal glands' production of cortisol, stopping the drug can cause adrenal insufficiency.