From the Guidelines
Triamcinolone can cause significant side effects, including skin atrophy, particularly when used intralesionally, as reported in a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology 1. When considering the use of triamcinolone, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks of side effects. Some common side effects associated with triamcinolone use include:
- Skin thinning
- Redness
- Burning
- Itching
- Dryness at the application site
- Folliculitis, a common side-effect of some patients, especially when using potent topical corticosteroids 1 Intralesional corticosteroid therapy, particularly with triamcinolone, can lead to skin atrophy at the site of injection, which is a consistent side-effect 1. It is crucial for patients to be aware of these potential side effects and to report any concerning symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately. To minimize side effects, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time and follow your doctor's instructions carefully for tapering when discontinuing treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings (reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence): burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria. The side effects of Triamcinolone include:
- Local adverse reactions:
- Burning
- Itching
- Irritation
- Dryness
- Folliculitis
- Hypertrichosis
- Acneiform eruptions
- Hypopigmentation
- Perioral dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Maceration of the skin
- Secondary infection
- Skin atrophy
- Striae
- Miliaria 2
From the Research
Side Effects of Triamcinolone
The side effects of Triamcinolone have been documented in various studies, including:
- Common adverse effects such as sneezing, dry mucosa, nasal irritation, sinus discomfort, throat discomfort, epistaxis, and headache 3
- Local effects such as pharyngitis, rhinitis, and epistaxis 4
- Systemic effects such as adrenal suppression and Cushing syndrome, particularly with depot injections 5
- Ocular side effects such as cataracts and glaucoma, particularly with prolonged use 6
Specific Side Effects
Some specific side effects of Triamcinolone include:
- Nasal irritation and discomfort 3, 4
- Headache 3, 4
- Epistaxis 3, 4
- Pharyngitis 4
- Rhinitis 4
- Adrenal suppression 5
- Cushing syndrome 5
- Cataracts 6
- Glaucoma 6
Severity and Frequency of Side Effects
The severity and frequency of side effects vary depending on the study and the specific formulation of Triamcinolone used. For example:
- In a study of intranasal Triamcinolone, common adverse effects were generally mild or moderate 3
- In a study of depot Triamcinolone injections, the side effects were more severe and included adrenal suppression and Cushing syndrome 5
- In a study of dendrimer-conjugated Triamcinolone, the side effects were reduced compared to free Triamcinolone 6