Halobetasol vs triamcinolone: which is better?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Aug 30, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Which topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) product is best for you depends upon what skin condition you have, your symptoms and where it is located on your body.
Other selection factors may include availability, cost and if the medicine is covered by your insurance.
After examination, your doctor will be able to determine which topical steroid is best to treat your skin condition.

Halobetasol and triamcinolone are both prescription medicines used to treat skin conditions that are responsive to topical corticosteroids, such as dermatitis, eczema (atopic dermatitis), or psoriasis. Halobetasol is classified as a super-high to high-potency topical corticosteroid (“steroid”), and triamcinolone is medium-to-low potency. They come in a variety of forms, such as creams, lotions, ointments, sprays and shampoos.

The risk of side effects increases with the potency of these medicines, how long they are used, the size of the application area, if the area is wrapped or bandaged, and if they are applied to thinner areas of skin (such as the face or eyelids) or skin that rubs together (such as the groin or under the arms).

Learn more: Comparing Halobetasol Topical vs Triamcinolone Topical

References

Goldstein B, et al. Topical corticosteroids: Use and adverse effects. Up to Date. Accessed Sept. 9, 2021 at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/topical-corticosteroids-use-and-adverse-effects
Triamcinolone cream prescribing information. Drugs.com. Accessed Sept. 9, 2021 at https://www.drugs.com/pro/triamcinolone.html

What does psoriasis look like?

Psoriasis typically appears as a red, dry, and flaky patch of skin, and may be covered with white scales called plaques. It can occur on any area of the body, including hands, feet, elbows, scalp or genitals. Psoriasis can feel itchy, sore, burning and the skin may feel tight, crack or bleed. Frequent itching can lead to thicker areas of plaques. Continue reading

How does Ilumya work to treat psoriasis?

Ilumya works by binding selectively to interleukin-23 (IL-23) which is a naturally occurring cytokine. IL-23 plays a key role in promoting inflammation and regulating other cytokines (such as IL-17) and inflammatory substances, such as TNF-α3-7. By blocking the effects of IL-23, Ilumya helps control the release of IL-17 and TNF-α, which reduces inflammation associated with psoriasis. It also decreases how many inflammatory cells are present within psoriatic lesions, helps prevent plaque formation, and resolves tissue damage. Continue reading

What's a good prednisone taper schedule?

The best prednisone taper will depend upon how long you have been taking the medicine, your dose, and why you are being treated. If you've been treated with a high dose of prednisone, or taken it for more than a few weeks, you will need to slowly stop your medicine, usually over a period of days, weeks or months. Your healthcare provider will determine your prednisone tapering schedule. Continue reading

Halobetasol vs triamcinolone: which is better?

Read next

What does psoriasis look like?

How does Ilumya work to treat psoriasis?

What's a good prednisone taper schedule?

See also:

Aimovig

Botox

Stelara

Nurtec ODT

Depakote

Topamax

Emgality

Timolol

Valproic acid

Divalproex sodium

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups