Triamcinolone Acetonide for Treatment of Ringworm

Definition
Brands
Application
Prognosis
Complications

Written by Jaclyn Castek

28 August, 2019

Fact Checked

Ringworm is an infection of the skin that is caused by a fungus that can be picked up from practically anywhere 1. This infection is also contagious and can be passed on from person to person simply by touching the infection. Treatment for most cases of ringworm involves the use of a topical anti-fungal creams. Triamcinolone acetonide is not recommended for treatment of ringworm 3.

Definition

Triamcinolone Acetonide, or simply Triamcinolone, is a topical cream used to treat fungal infections 3. It is a corticosteroid available only by prescription that works to relieve the itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling and inflammation associated with certain skin infections.

Brands

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Prescription brands of Tramcinolone topical medication include Kenalog, Kenacort, Aristocort and Atolone. These medications, however, are not recommended for use on the average ringworm infection. Alternative over the counter treatments for ringworm include topical anti-fungal creams like Micatin, Tinactin, Monistat-Derm, Lotrimin and Lamisil.

Application

Triamcinolone most often comes in the form of a cream or ointment, but can also come as a liquid or aerosol 3. Application is the same no matter what form the medication comes in. A thin layer should be applied to the infected area two to four times a day. The area should not be bandaged and should stay as dry as possible because fungus thrives in damp, warm places.

Triamcinolone most often comes in the form of a cream or ointment, but can also come as a liquid or aerosol 3.
The area should not be bandaged and should stay as dry as possible because fungus thrives in damp, warm places.

Prognosis

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Signs of infection should begin within the first week and the infection should clear within four weeks. Should the skin infection show no signs of improvement after using the topical cream for four weeks, oral anti-fungal medications may be prescribed.

Complications

Common side effects include overly dry skin, itching, burning and change of skin color; these usually go away after the first week of using the medication. More severe allergic reactions may include blurry vision, changes in menstruation, easy bruising, excessive hair growth, impaired wound healing or swelling of the infected area.