What Is Triamcinolone Actonide Cream For?

Triamcinolone acetonide cream is used on the skin to relieve redness, swelling, itching, scaling and crusting. It is a practically odorless, white cream that is usually applied to the affected area of skin as a thin film and rubbed in gently two to four times a day. Stop using triamcinolone acetonide cream and tell your doctor if you have any adverse symptoms.

Facts

It cannot be purchased over the counter, it must be prescribed by your doctor. The active ingredient, triamcinolone acetonide, is a corticosteroid 2. Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream is a nearly odorless, white cream. It comes in three strengths (0.025%, 0.1% and 0.5%) in 15-gram and 80-gram tubes and in 1-pound jars.

Benefits

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How to Use

The cream is usually applied to the affected area of skin as a thin film and rubbed in gently two to four times a day. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions. If the condition you are treating worsens, stop using and call your doctor.

Common Side Effects

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Triamcinolone acetonide cream can cause:

• burning
  
• itching
  
• irritation
  
• dryness
  
• inflammation of hair follicles
  
• excessive growth of hair
  
• acne-like eruptions
  
• diminished skin pigmentation
  
• dermatitis around the mouth
  
• allergic contact dermatitis
  
• softening of the skin
  
• secondary infections
  
• skin atrophy
  
• stretch marks
  
• prickly heat

Use for Children

Children can use the cream under a doctor's supervision, but special care should be taken not to apply too much or too frequently.

Special Considerations

If you have had an allergic reaction to a product that contains triamcinolone acetonide or some other corticosteroid, be sure to tell your doctor before using triamcinolone acetonide cream. If you have an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, skin infection), contact your doctor immediately.

Warning

Triamcinolone acetonide (the active ingredient) can be absorbed through the skin, especially if it is covered with a bandage or similar covering. It is possible to absorb enough triamcinolone acetonide through the skin to make you sick. It may cause:

• unusual tiredness
  
• weight loss
  
• muscle weakness
  
• headache
  
• swelling in the lower extremities
  
• increased thirst
  
• redistribution of body fat (often seen as “moon face”)
  
• decreased ability to fight off infection
  
• difficulty sleeping
  
• skin bruising
  
• joint pain,
  
• vision problems

Contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.