Triamcinolone topical is used to treat a variety of skin problems, such as psoriasis (a skin condition in which red, scaly patches appear on some sections of the body) and eczema, for their associated itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and pain (a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes). Additionally, it is applied as a dental paste to soothe mouth sores’ discomfort. The drug triamcinolone belongs to the corticosteroid drug class. It reduces swelling, redness, and itching by causing natural chemicals in the skin to become active.

Triamcinolone is available as a paste for oral administration and in ointments, creams, lotions, and aerosols in a range of strengths. Typically, two to four times a day are applied. It is applied to mouth sores before bed and, if necessary, twice or three times day, ideally just after meals. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the triamcinolone directions exactly. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often. Except as authorised by your doctor, avoid using it on other parts of your body or to treat other skin disorders.

Apply the cream, lotion, or ointment sparingly and rub it in gently to use triamcinolone topical.

Use a hair part to apply a tiny amount of the lotion or aerosol (spray) to the problematic area of your scalp, then gently rub it in. Prior to the lotion or spray drying, avoid washing and massaging the affected region. Although not immediately after taking the medication, you may wash your hair as usual.

Shake well before using an aerosol, holding the can between three and six inches away from the affected area. To cover a space the size of your hand, spray for around 2 seconds. Be careful not to breathe in the vapours. If you are spraying face-close, cover your eyes.

An aerosol (spray) of triamcinolone may catch fire. Avoid being near an open flame or fire, and refrain from smoking for a short period of time after using triamcinolone aerosol.

Keep triamcinolone topical out of your eyes if you’re applying it to your face.

Without first consulting your doctor, avoid using any other skin creams or preparations on the treated region.

Avoid using plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers while applying triamcinolone to a child’s diaper area. Such use could exacerbate negative effects.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before using triamcinolone topical,

• If you have an allergy to triamcinolone, any other drugs, or any of the substances in topical triamcinolone products, let your doctor and pharmacist know right once. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are currently taking or intend to take.
• Inform your physician if you have a throat or mouth infection, have ever had diabetes, or have Cushing’s syndrome (an abnormal condition that is caused by excess hormones [corticosteroids]).
• If you are breastfeeding a child or intend to become pregnant, let your doctor know. If you use triamcinolone topical and get pregnant, call your doctor.

As soon as you realise you missed a dose, administer it. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. Applying a second dose to make up for a missed one is not advised.

Triamcinolone might have negative effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Skin that is burning, itchy, irritated, stinging, red, or dry
• Acne
• Alteration in skin tone
• Development of unwanted hair
• A rash or little red pimples around the mouth
• Small skin lumps that are either white or red

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Extreme rash
• Redness, swelling, or other symptoms of a skin infection where you put the triamcinolone cream

Children who use topical triamcinolone may be more likely to experience negative side effects, such as reduced growth and delayed weight gain. The dangers of applying this medication to your child’s skin should be discussed with your child’s doctor.

Other negative effects of topical triamcinolone are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom). Avoid freezing it.

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Call 1-800-222-1222 to contact your local poison control centre if someone consumes triamcinolone topical. Dial 911 to reach the nearest emergency services if the sufferer has collapsed or has stopped breathing.

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To determine how your body is responding to triamcinolone, your doctor may request specific lab tests.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.