Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream

There are various types of skin diseases stemming out of diet, lifestyle and various diseases that have taken root in the body. Although some of these issues tend to go away with acute treatment, others tend to stay for a long period of time and are accompanied by irritation, swelling, and inflammation. Without proper treatment, these can severely affect the quality of life for the patient.

Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream: Uses, Side Effects, Interaction, Dosage, Warnings

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What is Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream?

Triamcinolone acetamide is an artificially synthesized corticosteroid. 0.1% of triamcinolone contains 1 g of the following: lactic acid, cetyl alcohol, emulsifying wax, sorbitol solution, isopropyl palmitate, benzyl alcohol, glycerine and purified water. Although the mechanism is not quite clear, triamcinolone acetamide possesses vasoconstriction, antipruritic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used as a prescription drug for a variety of skin conditions.

Why is Triamcinolone Acetamide Cream Used?

Triamcinolone Acetamide Cream is mainly used in the treatment of skin issues such as allergies, rashes, eczema, dermatitis and more. It can be highly effective in reducing the inflammation, swelling, and itchiness. It is available in various strengths and a moderate to strong potency is generally recommended for topical creams. It is best to use the cream in consultation with a physician.

How does the Cream Work?

Triamcinolone Acetamide Cream is very similar to the hormone cortisol released by the adrenal cortex. It functions in a manner very similar to the corticosteroids. It prevents the release of various substances in the body that tend to trigger immune responses and inflammation. Thereby, it helps to reduce the activity of the immune mechanism and can be very effective in reducing sensations such as itchiness, pain, and swelling.

Triamcinolone Acetamide Cream Dosage

The triamcinolone cream should only be applied to the skin. Furthermore, the sensitive areas such as groins, underarms, and face should be avoided during the application. It should be applied with clean hands in a very thin film over the affected areas. The recommended dosage is 2 to 4 applications per day. Make sure you wash your hands, both before and after the application. In any case, the cream should not be ingested or it can give rise to severe consequences. It is also best not to use the medication unless the symptoms get seriously out of hand.

Things to Keep in Mind While Using the Cream

  • The cream should only be used with a doctor’s supervision. Furthermore, it is recommended only for external use. The user should strictly avoid bringing it into contact with the eyes and mouth
  • It should only be used for the particular condition for which it has been prescribed.
  • After the application of the ointment, the affected area should be immediately covered with a bandage
  • If there are appearances of any side effects, especially in the affected area, it should be immediately reported to the physician
  • If it is being used for infants with diaper rashes, parents should refrain from using plastic diapers or the ones with a very tight fit
  • Strict sanitary conditions should be maintained during the usage of the medicine
  • If there is a sore over the area where the cream is to be applied, it is best not to use the cream

Side Effects of Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream

Triamcinolone acetonide cream can give rise to side effects. Sometimes, the skin starts to appear inflamed and irritated after the application. If the application is continued, it can also cause burning, dryness and itching sensations. Some people have also reported of acne and folliculitis or inflammation of the hair follicles over the area where the cream has been applied. If this occurs, the skin can go very tender and feel painful. Also, the skin over the treated area appears much lighter in color to the untreated skin. This condition is also known as hypopigmentation. Painful red patches of skin can appear at the hair roots of the treated area. Patients suffering from adrenal insufficiency may experience symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, and vomiting while patients suffering from Cushing’s syndrome may experience a bloated round face, weight gain, and purple skin marks.

Common Side Effects

  • Irritated skin
  • Rashes
  • Increase in hair growth over the treated area
  • Dry skin

These are the symptoms that go away within a maximum of 2 to 3 weeks. If the side effects do not go away, the patient should have a consultation with a physician.

Impact of Triamcinolone Acetonide Overdose

Using the cream more than the recommended quantity can lead to serious skin complications and skin degeneration. The skin breaks down leading to thinning, softening, sores, infections, and ulcers. These can also be accompanied by swelling, redness, pus and stretch marks. Furthermore, if ingested, it can prove to be fatal. The patient should be immediately rushed to the hospital and attended under the emergency ward. It can lead to trouble in breathing and even fainting. This will require a long-term treatment during which the patient will be required to go through frequent testing for blood pressure, blood counts, mineral level, blood glucose, bone density, eye examination, x rays and measurements for height and weight. In order to prevent such serious complications, the patients who are using it for the long term are required to carry an identification stating the long-term usage.

Who Should Stay Away from Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream?

  1. Breastfeeding Women

If used during breastfeeding, the cream can pass on to the child, which can lead to stunting or delayed growth. The triamcinolone acetonide entering the child’s body can also play havoc with the hormonal balance, especially in the production of corticosteroids. Therefore, it is best for the breastfeeding women to avoid using the cream.

  1. Allergies

Triamcinolone acetonide is known to cause severe allergies in some people, similar to a poison reaction and requires an emergency treatment. Therefore, people who have experienced allergies before or are allergic to other glucocorticoids should strictly avoid the cream.

  1. People with Cushing’s Syndrome

People with Cushing’s syndrome already have a high level of corticosteroid hormones in the body. Using triamcinolone acetonide can increase these levels even further and worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it is best for people with Cushing’s syndrome to avoid using the triamcinolone acetonide cream.

  1. Pregnant Women

Using triamcinolone acetonide cream during pregnancy can cause adverse side effects on the developing fetus. Due to this high level of risk, it is best not to use triamcinolone cream during pregnancy.

  1. Children

Triamcinolone acetonide can lead to a delay in the growth and development of children below 18 years of age. They are also likely to absorb the drug in high levels which can give rise to more complications. Therefore, it is best to avoid the usage of the cream entirely or limit it to only a short period of time.

Conclusion

Triamcinolone Acetonide Creams are an effective solution for various skin issues. However, they also tend to have a lot of negative side effects, especially if used carelessly. Therefore, it should only be used under a doctor’s supervision while strictly following all the guidelines.


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