Triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation and treat different types of skin conditions. As a topical corticosteroid, triamcinolone acetonide helps combat skin redness, excessive dryness, different forms of skin inflammation and itchiness. The big question is whether there is triamcinolone acetonide cream for acne and whether it helps.
Can You use Triamcinolone Acetonide to Treat Acne?
No. Triamcinolone acetonide is a form of steroids, and steroids lead to worse acne if you already have acne on your skin. Using triamcinolone acetonide on acne-affected area leads to more inflammation and infection, causing more flare-ups on the skin. Other forms of acne treatment are more helpful than using a triamcinolone acetonide cream.
There is a part that triamcinolone acetonide can play a role in acne treatment and is not entirely useless or harmful. You can use triamcinolone acetonide to treat cystic acne. Triamcinolone acetonide comes in an injectable form that can reduce cystic acne when administered. However, using topical triamcinolone acetonide without injecting the ingredients into cystic acne will not prove very helpful in the long run.
What are the Uses of Triamcinolone Acetonide?
Triamcinolone cream is one of the topical corticosteroids that calm overactive immune systems. When the immune system becomes overactive, the skin can experience itching. Topical triamcinolone acetonide help treat itching by targeting the immune system responsible. You can use triamcinolone topical for;
- allergic reactions
- swelling
- redness
- eczema
- psoriasis
- and other forms of skin inflammation
It is important to note that using triamcinolone acetonide should be strictly prescribed by a dermatologist to achieve healthier skin.
Alternatives to Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream
After getting acne, all you need is newer and healthier skin. There are many ways of getting rid of acne typically prescribed by dermatologists and doctors alike. Apart from acne, the skin can experience other challenges like dark spots, keloid scars, fine lines, irritation and other skin conditions. The body is a highly complex system with a myriad of conditions just waiting for the opportune moment to strike. However, other alternatives cover the several limitations that triamcinolone acetonide cream may have. Here are a few examples.
1) Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an excellent option to relieve skin inflammation resulting from mild to severe acne. Unlike the triamcinolone acetonide cream, benzoyl peroxide is effective in acne treatment, given its rapid and immediate advantages that can be seen once used. Benzoyl peroxide causes the skin to dry, getting rid of dead skin cells that lead to the formation of acne. In addition, benzoyl reduces the amount of acne-causing bacteria by a significant amount, reducing acne and eliminating the need to treat acne in the future.
Benzoyl peroxide can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Therefore, it is essential to know beforehand whether drug interactions with benzoyl will have any effects on your body. See your dermatologist provide medical advice before you use any prescription skin product.
2) Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a hydroxy acid found in plants like the willow. Salicylic acid works better in acne treatment than a triamcinolone acetonide ointment will not. Salicylic acid has antibacterial properties that reduce acne-causing bacteria from leading to infections. Apart from the antibacterial properties, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory features that further relieve skin inflammation and help reduce the adversity that acne causes. Healthcare professionals prefer salicylic acid and other medications to triamcinolone acetonide because of the increased risk that triamcinolone cream has.
Salicylic acid is known for exfoliating skin, treating pustules, blackheads, whiteheads, and clearing pores. In addition, salicylic acid is a good treatment for clogged pores and does not have serious side effects as you would get when you use triamcinolone acetonide cream.
3) Topical Retinoids
Topical retinoids are a medication that works well for different skin conditions. Topical retinoids are excellent for treating acne, melasma, photodamage and other conditions. Topical retinoids work better than other creams like triamcinolone acetonide. For example, topical retinoids can control comedonal acne, making the medication a more helpful form than triamcinolone acetonide.
Retinoids are slightly different from retinol because retinoids are slightly more potent. Retinoids are only available as prescription medicine, while retinol can be bought over the counter. You can get retinoids under brand names like Retin-A and Avita. Retinols, on the other hand, are available in most anti-aging products.
4) Spot Treatments
Spot treatments are a form of introducing acne-fighting ingredients directly to the affected areas. In addition, spot treatments deal with the after-effects of acne. When acne is healed, a blemish or a dark spot can remain where the acne previously was. Targeting the spot to regain skin clarity and smoothness is achievable differently. Most spot treatments are administered at bedtime and left overnight.
Spot treatment is not as adverse as triamcinolone acetonide because the results are only positive. The best thing about spot-targeted treatments is that there are many ways to go about it. First, you can choose the medication that does not cause an allergic reaction to your body and one you are comfortable with. Second, you can be sure to retain your skin color after a few days when you use a spot treatment. Finally, the possible side effects are significantly reduced when you choose.
5) Daily Cleansing
Cleansing your skin is a great idea and one of the best ways to care for your skin. As you go about your day, the skin is in a constant battle with contaminants, germs, dirt, sweat, ultraviolet radiation and oils. The best thing you can do to your skin is cleanse and moisturize it every day before bed. Acne forms when acne-causing bacteria accumulate in the pores or when the pores are clogged by excess oils, dirt, sweat and dead skin cells. To avoid getting to a point where you have to use the triamcinolone acetonide ointment and the most common adverse effects of the medication, cleanse your skin.
Cleansing prevents most, if not all the skin conditions. Ensure to use a moisturizing cleanser to ensure the skin does not remain dry when you are done cleansing.
6) Exfoliation
Exfoliating the layer of dead cells is a great way to ensure the skin is smooth and clean. You can use chemical peeling to eliminate the extra layer that is troublesome to your skin. Salicylic acid works well in exfoliating the skin to clear skin. Using face masks and scrubs will get rid of dead skin and replenish your skin. Consider exfoliation before using triamcinolone acetonide.
Remember to pick the scrub carefully when exfoliating your skin to avoid injury caused by large particles in coarse scrubs. Coarse scrubs can cause injury, especially if you have active acne. Also, be careful to avoid re-infecting wounds that already exist.
What are Some Triamcinolone Acetonide Side Effects?
Triamcinolone acetonide has some common side effects on most people who use the medication. Side effects come about when the medication is not used as prescribed. When used for the wrong reasons, triamcinolone can be more destructive than helpful. Here are some side effects you can get from using triamcinolone acetonide.
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blistering skin
- Change in skin color
- Rash on the face around the mouth
- Itching
- Acne
- Red bumps
Notice that acne is one of the side effects of using triamcinolone acetonide. Therefore, the list above is not a complete list of the side effects of triamcinolone acetonide because the effects are many and diverse.
Triamcinolone is a prescribed medication. Therefore, overdosing may have toxic results. When you suspect an overdose or when you overdose accidentally, call the local poison control center as soon as possible to get help. If you have a missed dose, do not make up for it by taking more medication or taking it in close intervals. Instead, take the next dose and keep taking doses regularly. Have a reminder on your phone to keep you in check on when you should take medication. Apply a thin film when the prescription says so and vice versa.
Once the medication is expired, do not keep using the medicine. Carefully dispose of the package to avoid any contamination whatsoever. Ensure the package is tightly sealed when disposing of it. You can take the expired medicine to the pharmacy through a medicine take-back program. Do not flush the medicine in the toilet.
Keep Medicine away from children at all costs.
Final Take
Acne is one of the most common issues that people worldwide deal with. The skin is a sensitive organ with allergic reactions, UV burns, infections, hormonal side effects, and other hardships. Therefore, you might be tempted to try out different medications for each of these effects. The best thing to do for your skin before commencing any medication is to visit a dermatologist to prescribe the best medication for your condition. Sometimes the remedy might be as simple as changing your skincare routine. Before turning to the triamcinolone acetonide, ensure you have the correct information and have tried other appropriate options.
