what is triamcinolone acetonide cream used for
What is Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream Used For?
Although triamcinolone acetonide is a prescribed cream for skin problems, it has its set of dos and don'ts. Read the article to know the uses of triamcinolone acetonide cream.
Triamcinolone is a primary synthetic corticosteroid which is used as an oral drug, inhalation spray, topical cream or ointment. Triamcinolone acetonide is one of the strongest types of triamcinolone. Its chemical formula is 9-Fluoro-11β,16α,17,21-tetrahydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione cyclic 16,17-acetal with acetone. Triamcinolone acetonide cream is used as an anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictive and antipruritic topical treatment for several health conditions. The cream is available in three strengths as 0.1%, 0.5% and 0.025%. Other substances that are present in this cream are - acetyl alcohol, methyl paraben, isopropyl palmitate, polysorbate 40, mineral oil or lanolin alcohol, propyl paraben, propylene glycol monostearate, propylene glycol, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbic acid, stearyl alcohol xanthan gum, and purified water.
The Uses of Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream
✫ Triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid, is an odorless and white-colored cream.
✫ Topical corticosteroids are steroids that are used as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents.
✫ Each gram of the cream provides the following amount of triamcinolone acetonide.
- 0.025% strength - 0.25mg
- 0.1% strength - 1mg
- 0.5% strength - 5mg
How to Use Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream?
✫ The recommended usage of this cream is two to four times a day, depending on the doctor's prescription.
✫ Clean the area and apply a thin layer of the cream on it.
✫ Ideally, the area should not be bandaged after the application of this cream. However, if the skin damage demands bandaging, the doctor will recommend it in order to avoid infection.
✫ Direct contact with triamcinolone acetonide can lead to glaucoma and other severe conditions.
✫ If the cream accidentally gets into the eyes, mouth or nose, make sure to clean the area thoroughly with cold water.
✫ It is important to remember, that triamcinolone acetonide doesn't cure skin diseases like dermatitis and psoriasis.
✫ This cream helps the body to build up the fighting mechanism which is required to cure such diseases/conditions in a limited time period.
Precautions
✫ Triamcinolone acetonide may not be a safe product for everyone.
✫ It is very important to inform your doctor if you are on any other medication, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
✫ Also, inform the doctor of your illnesses and the things you are allergic to.
✫ This cream should not be used on broken or damaged skin, rosacea, plaque psoriasis and skin infections caused by fungus, virus or bacteria.
Is Triamcinolone Acetonide Safe for Children?
Triamcinolone Acetonide is pretty safe for children. However, excess usage of this drug can prove to be harmful. A child's skin tends to absorb more of this drug compared to adults. This can increase the risk of side effects. A few precautions that can be taken in order to avoid this are;
✫ Do not use tight diapers or plastic pants if the cream is applied to the diaper area as it helps in better absorption.
✫ Use light material, breathable diapers or fabrics after application of the cream.
Side Effects
According to medical experts, prolonged usage can cause several side effects. The application on certain body parts like groin, underarms and face can lead to several ill-effects of the chemical composition of this cream. Hence, you need to consult your dermatologist and only then use this cream.
Some ill-effects of triamcinolone acetonide cream are - dry skin, skin irritation or severe itching during the first few applications of the cream, glaucoma, hyperglycemia or diabetes, ruptured tendons, fluid retention, coughing up blood or blood in stools. It can also result in allergies like; difficulties in swallowing and breathing, swelling, itching, rash, hives, etc. Some reports have also suggested that certain skin infections worsen after the application of triamcinolone acetonide.
Hence, it is important to inform your doctor if you observe swelling and irritation after its application. Prolonged usage can cause severe other side effects like acne, stretch marks, body hair growth, skin discoloration, etc.
Triamcinolone acetonide cream is not found safe for the people suffering from health conditions like diseases of the immune system and the circulatory system. It is also advised that one should always inform the doctor about the other medications that he is using, so that the drug interactions can be avoided, if any. As a parting tip, I would suggest that you don't use the cream on an open wound or infection.
Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.