{"id":626256,"date":"2024-01-18T09:30:19","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T14:30:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626256"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:14:55","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:14:55","slug":"triamcinolone-for-eczema","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/triamcinolone-for-eczema\/","title":{"rendered":"How to use triamcinolone for eczema"},"content":{"rendered":"

Triamcinolone acetonide cream<\/span><\/a> is one of the most popular topical steroids prescribed to treat eczema. If you have this condition, you may have been prescribed this medication and are looking to learn more. Or, perhaps you don’t have a prescription yet and are considering asking a healthcare professional if this medication is a good choice for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Either way, you are probably looking for information about the best ways to use this Rx, how long you can use it, and what some potential side effects may be. Here, expert dermatologists answer all your pressing questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is triamcinolone good for eczema?<\/span><\/h2>\n

“Triamcinolone acetonide is one of the most popular topical steroids given for atopic dermatitis, or eczema,” says George Han, MD, Ph.D., a dermatologist at<\/span> Northwell Health<\/span><\/a> in New Hyde Park, New York. “Its popularity likely stems from the fact that it is quite inexpensive, insurance coverage is almost never an issue, and it comes in the largest size available of any topical steroid—a 454g tub (equivalent to one pound).”<\/span><\/p>\n

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes skin irritation, such as patches of dry, scaly, itchy, blistered, or rashed skin. The condition can be extremely uncomfortable and can decrease your quality of life. There are several different types of eczema, and <\/span>atopic dermatitis<\/span><\/a> is the most well-known one. The terms<\/span> eczema and atopic dermatitis<\/span><\/a> are often used interchangeably.<\/span><\/p>\n

Usually, eczema begins in childhood, but it can occur anytime between adolescence and adulthood. The condition is chronic, and while it can be managed, it’s usually not cured. Cases can be mild or severe, and it’s estimated that about<\/span> 31 million people in the U.S.<\/span><\/a> live with this condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the primary ways that eczema is treated is with topical steroids, which are anti-inflammatory medications applied to the skin. If you have a mild case of eczema, a low-potency or over-the-counter corticosteroid such as <\/span>hydrocortisone<\/span><\/a> may be enough to manage the condition. But if your case is more severe, often a <\/span>higher potency, prescription corticosteroids are needed<\/span><\/a>. Triamcinolone acetonide cream is a common midstrength choice and works as a fluorinated topical steroid. “This means it penetrates a bit deeper into the skin and suppresses more inflammation than a non-fluorinated steroid, like hydrocortisone, would,” Dr. Han says. <\/span><\/p>\n

Studies have found that triamcinolone acetonide cream<\/span> is an effective way to manage eczema. For example, a 2023 study published in<\/span> The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology<\/span><\/i><\/a> looked at around 70 prescription topical ointments and creams used to treat dermatitis. Of all the treatments studied,<\/span> researchers concluded<\/span><\/a> that moderate-potency topical steroids, including triamcinolone acetonide ointment, were among the most effective.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to use triamcinolone for eczema<\/span><\/h2>\n

Okay, so you have your prescription for triamcinolone. What’s the best way to use it for eczema? Dermatologists share their top tips.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Less is more<\/span><\/h3>\n

There’s no need to slather yourself in triamcinolone, and you shouldn’t apply more than you need to the affected area. “A thin layer is enough,” Dr. Han says. “The steroid receptors in the skin actually become saturated, so applying a really thick layer or putting it on many times a day won’t help the problem, but could still lead to more side effects.”<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Limit use  <\/span><\/h3>\n

The dosage for triamcinolone will depend on the strength of the cream and the severity of the condition. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often to use triamcinolone for eczema, but Dr. Han says that triamcinolone shouldn’t be used more than twice daily. Ideally, you don’t want to use it for more than a few weeks at once in the affected area. “I would suggest that people don’t use it for more than a month at a time,” Dr. Han says. “If you need to apply the medicine for so long, or if the rash keeps coming back within a day or two of stopping the medicine, you probably should find another, better option.”<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Don’t fear it<\/span><\/h3>\n

As much as you want to take precautions and not overuse triamcinolone, says Jennifer Gordon, MD, a dermatologist at <\/span>Westlake Dermatology<\/span><\/a> in Austin, Texas, you shouldn’t be afraid to use it when needed. “Many people underuse steroids because they are afraid of it, but if there is redness or itch, then you need it and it has a target,” she says. “Don’t fear the steroid, but also make sure you have the appropriate medicine for the area and the patient.”<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Apply moisturizer<\/span><\/h3>\n

Triamcinolone tends to dry out the skin, so applying moisturizer can be helpful. “I always counsel my patients on a good moisturizer regimen regardless of whether they’re using the medicine,” He recommends putting triamcinolone on first, then your medication—but it won’t make a big difference if you do it the other way around.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Store it properly<\/span><\/h3>\n

Triamcinolone should be stored in a cool, dry location, away from harsh sunlight. You should store it at  <\/span>room temperature, ideally between 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

6. Consider your options<\/span><\/h3>\n

If triamcinolone isn’t working or your symptoms aren’t going away during the recommended timeframe for use, then you should reach out to your provider for alternative options. <\/span><\/p>\n

“There’s usually a better option than relying on triamcinolone for everyday use,” Dr. Han says. “There are steroids such as fluticasone that are less absorbed into the skin (it’s rapidly inactivated), or there are now prescription non-steroidal topical anti-inflammatory medicines that may be a good option.” For example, Elidel (pimecrolimus) and Protopic (tacrolimus) are topical calcineurin inhibitors approved to treat moderate to severe eczema. <\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, your provider may recommend a systemic biologic for atopic dermatitis. The <\/span>Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved dupilumab and tralokinumab<\/span><\/a> for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of triamcinolone for eczema<\/span><\/h2>\n

Side effects of triamcinolone acetonide cream are relatively uncommon, especially if it’s used as directed, according to Dr. Gordon. “The side effects are minimal if you use it correctly,” she says. “It should never make eczema worse unless you have a very rare allergy to it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the FDA,<\/span><\/a> the following are some potential side effects of triamcinolone creams:<\/span><\/p>\n