What is triamcinolone cream (triamcinolone acetonide)?

From the Guidelines

Tricimalone cream, containing triamcinolone acetonide, is recommended for the treatment of skin conditions involving inflammation, fungal infection, and bacterial infection, with application guidelines and precautions to minimize side effects. When considering the use of tricimalone cream, it's essential to weigh the benefits against potential risks, such as skin irritation, thinning of the skin, and systemic absorption of the corticosteroid component 1. The medication works by reducing inflammation with triamcinolone, killing fungi with nystatin, and eliminating bacteria with neomycin, making it effective for conditions like infected eczema or dermatitis complicated by secondary infections. Key considerations for its use include:

• Application of a thin layer to the affected area 2-3 times daily for 7-14 days, with duration varying based on the condition being treated
• Washing hands before and after application
• Avoiding covering the treated area with bandages unless directed by a doctor
• Not using more than prescribed
• Monitoring for side effects, such as skin irritation, and discontinuing use if worsening of symptoms or signs of allergic reaction occur 1. Intralesional corticosteroids, like triamcinolone acetonide, can also be effective for treating localized nonresponding or very thick lesions on glabrous skin, scalp, nails, palms, and soles, with a dose up to 20 mg/mL used every 3 to 4 weeks 1. However, the primary consideration for tricimalone cream remains its topical application for skin conditions with combined inflammatory, fungal, and bacterial components.

From the FDA Drug Label

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Triamcinolone acetonide cream, 0.1% is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. The tricimalone cream is actually triamcinolone acetonide cream, which is used for the relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses 2.

• The active ingredient is triamcinolone acetonide.
• It is a topical corticosteroid used as an anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agent 2.

From the Research

Tricimalone Cream Overview

• Tricimalone cream is a type of topical corticosteroid, which is used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis 3.
• Topical corticosteroids are classified by strength and the risk of adverse effects, and the risk of adverse effects increases with prolonged use, large area of application, higher potency, occlusion, and application to areas of thinner skin such as the face and genitals 3.

Usage and Application

• When prescribing topical corticosteroids, including tricimalone cream, for use in children, lower potencies and shorter durations should be used 3.
• The quantity of corticosteroid prescribed depends on the duration of treatment, the frequency of application, the skin location, and the total surface area treated 3.
• Correct patient application is critical to successful use, and patients may be taught application using the fingertip unit method 3.

Comparison with Other Treatments

• Topical corticosteroids, including tricimalone cream, have been compared to oral corticosteroids in terms of efficacy and safety, and most topical corticosteroids have the potential to achieve greater effective drug levels in the superficial layers of skin than those achieved with standard doses of oral prednisone 4.
• A network meta-analysis of topical anti-inflammatory treatments for eczema ranked potent and/or very potent topical steroids, including tricimalone cream, among the most effective treatments for improving patient-reported symptoms and clinician-reported signs 5.

Safety and Side Effects

• The use of tricimalone cream can be safe and effective in patients who are pregnant or lactating, but patients should be well instructed in how to use it and physicians should consider a diversity of factors when prescribing it 3, 6.
• Local application site reactions and skin thinning are potential side effects of tricimalone cream, but the risk of these side effects can be minimized with proper use and monitoring 5.