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Doctors may prescribe it to relieve redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with various skin conditions, including eczema. Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become irritated, itchy, red, flaky, and bumpy. A combination of environmental factors and genetics may cause the condition. Approximately 31.6 million people in the United States have some form of eczema. There is currently no cure for eczema, but a doctor can suggest treatments depending on the type of eczema and severity. In moderate to severe eczema, a dermatologist may provide prescription medications such as triamcinolone. This article discusses triamcinolone acetonide cream and its benefits for eczema. It also explores possible side effects and how to use the cream. What is triamcinolone acetonide cream Share on PinterestVasil Kamalov/EyeEm/Getty ImagesTriamcinolone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in 1957. Doctors have used it to treat various inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune conditions, including:allergic rhinitisgoutrheumatoid arthritissystemic lupus erythematosusmultiple sclerosisosteoarthritiseczemacontact dermatitis Triamcinolone is a glucocorticoid, a type of corticosteroid that reduces the body’s inflammatory response by acting on the immune system. It prevents the formation of chemicals responsible for inflammation. It also prevents the migration of white blood cells, such as macrophages and leukocytes, to the affected site. Triamcinolone is available in different formulations, including:ointmenttabletcreamlotionnasal spraydental pasteinjection Triamcinolone acetonide has a different chemical structure than triamcinolone. It comes in different doses and is available with different brand names. Some brand names include:TridermKenalogTrianexVolon ANasacort Benefits of triamcinolone acetonide cream for eczema Triamcinolone acetonide is a medication for eczema and other skin conditions. A person will need a prescription to purchase it. According to a 2018 study, 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream for facial dermatitis significantly improved:skin hydrationtransepidermal water loss, which refers to water loss through the epidermal layers of the skinphysician clinical assessment Triamcinolone acetonide is also six to seven times more potent than prednisolone, another prescription medication for eczema. A 2020 study comparing 5% fumaric acid cream and 0.1% triamcinolone cream in treating hand eczema found that triamcinolone was more effective in treating skin picking and lichenification. People with eczema may also develop keloid scars. Aside from inflammation, redness, and itching, triamcinolone acetonide cream is also an effective short-term treatment for keloids and hypertrophic scars. Side effects of triamcinolone acetonide cream for eczema Like all medicines, triamcinolone can cause side effects in some people. A person may experience burning, itching, dryness, or skin irritation after applying the medication. Other side effects include:acnerashesunwanted hair growthchanges in skin colorsmall bumps or rash around the mouth Most of these side effects do not typically require medical attention. However, a person can tell their doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away. Long-term use of glucocorticoids or too much of them in the bloodstream may cause an individual to develop other conditions, such as :Cushing syndromehypertensionweight gainacnestriae, or stretch marksskin thinningdelayed skin healingosteoporosishyperglycemiaamenorrhea, or the absence of menstruationimmunosuppressionsteroid psychosisswelling of ankles and feetextreme tirednesschanges in urinationvision problems Interactions Taking medications and substances together with triamcinolone may alter its effect or increase their risk of side effects. A person should keep a list of all the medicines and supplements they take and share it with their doctors. Risks Triamcinolone is an immunosuppressant, so it may increase a person’s risk of infections. It may also temporarily delay growth in children. People with severe hypertension and congestive heart failure are at an increased risk of edema and weight gain while using triamcinolone. However, they should not abruptly stop using the medication, as this can lead to adrenal insufficiency. Pregnant people should discuss using triamcinolone with their obstetrician. There are no studies on whether the substance passes into breastmilk. Additionally, children under 2 years of age should not use it at all. Rarely, triamcinolone may cause a severe, life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. A person needs immediate medical attention if they show symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:hivesswelling of the face or mouthwheezingfast, shallow breathinga fast heart rateclammy skinanxiety or confusiondizzinessvomitingblue or white lipsfainting or loss of consciousness If someone has these symptoms:Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.Lay the person down from a standing position. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.Stay with them until the emergency services arrive. Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5–15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one. How to use triamcinolone acetonide cream for eczema A person should only apply this medication to the skin. They should not use it on sensitive areas, including the face, underarms, or groin, unless their doctor recommends it. People should follow the instructions on the label or as their doctor explains. Below are some guidelines on using triamcinolone:Wash and dry hands before use.Clean and dry the affected area before applying the medication.Apply a thin film to the affected area and gently rub it into the skin.Apply it to the affected area two to three times daily or as a doctor directs.Do not cover the area with a wrap, bandage, or dressing unless a doctor instructs otherwise.Do not use the medication more than a doctor directs or prescribes.Do not abruptly stop or change medications without the doctor’s approval. A person should store their triamcinolone acetonide cream in a cool, dry place at room temperature. The ointment may be difficult to squeeze out from the tube if it is too cold. A person should also not store it in a bathroom, as heat and dampness may cause the medication to break down and turn watery. People should keep it out of reach of children and dispose of it once it has expired or is no longer in use. Summary Triamcinolone acetonide cream is a prescription medication for skin disorders, including eczema, rashes, and allergies. It is a potent corticosteroid that counteracts swelling and inflammation. It also prevents the immune system from overacting, a common problem with many skin conditions, such as eczema. Like other medicines, triamcinolone acetonide may cause adverse reactions. A person should inform their doctors about all their health conditions and medications they are taking to prevent interactions. People should use the medication as a doctor prescribes to prevent side effects and overuse. A person should also ask their doctor any questions they have about using triamcinolone acetonide cream. Last medically reviewed on May 30, 2022DermatologyAtopic Dermatitis / Eczema 7 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Boonchai, W., et al. (2018). Randomized investigator-blinded comparative study of moisturizer containing 4-t-butylcyclohexanol and licochalcone a versus 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in facial dermatitis [Abstract].https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.12499Eczema stats. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/research/eczema-facts/Sidhu, G., et al. (2021). Triamcinolone.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544309/Triamcinolone. (n.d.). https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/TriamcinoloneTriamcinolone topical. (2018).https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601124.htmlPapich, M. G. (2021). Triamcinolone acetonide, triamcinolone hexacetonide, triamcinolone diacetate. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323709576005471Zhuang, Z., et al. (2021). The safety and efficacy of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide for keloids and hypertrophic scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0305417921000498FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD — By Rachel Ann Tee-Melegrito on May 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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