Triamcinolone Cream (Kenalog)

What is Triamcinolone used for?

Triamcinolone is a topical eczema cream containing corticosteroids. It reduces the inflammation associated with eczema and alleviates related symptoms. 

Triamcinolone: what does it treat?

Triamcinolone is used to treat various skin conditions, including eczema, allergic reactions, and joint inflammation. 

How does Triamcinolone work?

Triamcinolone is a topical corticosteroid cream. It works by narrowing the blood vessels near the skin's surface, which reduces redness, itching and inflammation.

When does Triamcinolone start to work?

Triamcinolone should start to work within 3-7 days. If there is no improvement after seven days, you may need a more potent corticosteroid cream. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a stronger cream if required. 

Active ingredient

The active ingredient in Triamcinolone cream is triamcinolone acetonide.

Inactive ingredients

Different brands of Triamcinolone cream may contain different inactive ingredients. Aristocort is a version of Triamcinolone cream manufactured by Sigma pharmaceutical company. It contains the following inactive ingredients: benzyl alcohol, soft white paraffin, emulsifying wax, isopropyl palmitate, glycerol, sorbitol solution, and lactic acid.

Which Triamcinolone ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

Triamcinolone does not contain any common allergens and rarely causes allergic reactions. However, it is possible for some people to experience an allergic reaction to ingredients contained in Triamcinolone medication. The symptoms include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms when using the cream, please seek emergency medical attention.

When to use Triamcinolone cream

Only use Triamcinolone cream when instructed to do so by a doctor. Triamcinolone cream should be used during eczema flare-ups and continued until a few days after the symptoms have resolved. 

How to use Triamcinolone cream

Your doctor will let you know how often you need to use Triamcinolone cream; typically, it is applied twice a day. You should apply a fingertip unit amount of cream (see below) to the affected area. Gently rub the cream into your skin until it has been absorbed. Wash your hands when you have finished applying the cream, unless your hands are the affected area.

What is a fingertip unit?

A fingertip unit is a way to measure the amount of cream you need to use. You should squeeze cream out of the tube onto your fingertip, from the end of your finger to the first crease. One fingertip unit will cover an area of skin the size of both your palms. 

Which is stronger, Triamcinolone 0.1 or 0.025 or 0.5%?

Triamcinolone cream comes in several different strengths. Triamcinolone 0.5% is the strongest, 0.1% medium potency, and 0.025 % is the weakest.

Triamcinolone side effects

Side effects of Triamcinolone Cream primarily affect the skin and may cause:

• Irritation
• Burning sensation
• Itching 
• Redness
• Dryness
• Peeling
• Blistering 
• Thinning
• Stretch marks
• Acne

Please see the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects.

Contraindications

According to the USP-NF, topical Triamcinolone does not have any contraindications. People with hypersensitivity or allergies to any of the ingredients in topical in Triamcinolone should avoid using it.       

Drug interactions

Triamcinolone should not be used with other corticosteroids or other medications that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine. Always let the prescribing doctor know about any medications, alternative treatments, or recreational drugs that you are taking.      

Why does Triamcinolone burn?

A burning sensation is a common side effect of Triamcinolone cream and should subside after a few days when your body adjusts to the medication. If the burning persists after a few days, stop the medication and speak to your doctor. 

Why does Triamcinolone make me itch?

Itching is a known side effect of topical Triamcinolone. Itching can occur in the area of the skin treated with Triamcinolone or around the mouth. The itching will subside when the body adjusts to the medication. If they do not resolve after the first few days of use or become bothersome, let your doctor know.

Which is stronger, Triamcinolone or Hydrocortisone cream?

Triamcinolone is available in various concentrations (or potencies) including 0.025%, 0.1%, and 0.5%. Hydrocortisone is available in 0.1% and 0.2%. When compared in equal concentrations, Triamcinolone is a generally stronger corticosteroid medication than hydrocortisone and can therefore be effective at a lower concentration.

Are Triamcinolone and Hydrocortisone the same?

Triamcinolone and Hydrocortisone are not the same. Both Triamcinolone and hydrocortisone are corticosteroids and work in similar ways, but they are different medications. 
 

Corticosteroids for eczema, which is stronger?

The strength of a medication is known as its potency. The more potent a medication, the stronger they are. Corticosteroids, such as Triamcinolone, come in a range of different potencies. The table below shows different corticosteroid creams categorized by their potency, so you can find out which is stronger.