Is triamcinolone acetonide an antifungal cream?
No, triamcinolone is not an antifungal cream. It's a topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) used on the skin to decrease inflammation and itching of conditions like plaque psoriasis, eczema and allergies. Topical corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation (redness, swelling, itching) on the skin. Triamcinolone comes as a cream, lotion, ointment and spray.
Can I use triamcinolone with an antifungal cream?
Check with your doctor before you use use a topical corticosteroid and a topical antifungal medicine together. In some cases, your doctor may elect to use an antifungal product alone for a fungus infection instead of a combination. This can help to avoid any side effects from the topical corticosteroid (such as skin thinning) or worsening of the fungal skin infection.
A topical (for the skin) antifungal combination medicine called nystatin / triamcinolone is available with a prescription. Nystatin is an antifungal agent and triamcinolone is a corticosteroid. These products are typically used short-term for only a few weeks or until your symptoms resolve.
These agents are used together to treat fungal skin infections caused by a yeast (cutaneous candidiasis). Nystatin works by stopping the fungus from growing, and triamcinolone helps to relieve the redness, swelling or itching due to the fungus infections.
It comes in a generic topical ointment or cream formulation. It is usually applied sparingly to the affected area(s) on your skin twice a day. Follow your doctor’s application instructions exactly.
Prescription nystatin topical is also available without triamcinolone as a cream, ointment or powder.
How does triamcinolone work?
Corticosteroids (steroids) used on the skin such as triamcinolone work by decreasing the activity of natural chemicals in your body that lead to inflammation (swelling and pain). It inhibits the release of arachidonic acid and suppresses release of inflammatory chemicals found naturally in your body (such as kinins, histamine, or prostaglandins).
Topical corticosteroids used on the skin can be very potent. Triamcinolone ranges from low to high potency (0.025 to 0.5%), depending upon the formulation.
- High potency (0.5%) products come as a cream or ointment formulation.
- Medium potency (0.05% to 0.2%) products come as topical sprays, creams, lotion and ointments.
- Lower potency (0.025%) options come as ointments, cream or lotions.
You can view a complete list of topical corticosteroids here.
Even though these products are used topically, they can still be absorbed through the skin into the blood and rarely cause serious side effects. Side effects are more likely to occur if the area is covered with an occlusive dressing (wrap or bandage), or with higher strength medicines used for a long period of time.
Common side effects with topical triamcinolone include:
- Dry skin
- Burning sensation
- Irritation or itching
- Skin peeling or thinning
- Redness or inflammation
- New or worsened acne
These side effects tend to subside after initial use, but if side effect persist contact your health care provider for advice.
Topical corticosteroids may also cause serious side effects, and may be more common in children. Children may have side effects such as HPA axis suppression (decreased production of the natural steroid hormone cortisol), skin atrophy (thinning of skin), Cushing syndrome, high blood sugar, abnormal hair growth, and delayed growth. Do not use this medicine in a child unless you have been directed by your doctor.
Do not use this medicine on any open sore or wound and do not cover the treatment area with an occlusive dressing or bandage unless directed by your doctor.
Patients should be taught how to apply topical corticosteroid medications using the "fingertip unit method" to help maximize effectiveness and prevent side effects, as recommended in an article published by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Learn more: What are the expected side effects of triamcinolone?
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Bottom Line
Triamcinolone is not an antifungal. It's prescription topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) used on the skin to decrease inflammation and itching of conditions such as plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and skin allergies and rash. It comes as cream, lotion, ointment or spray for the skin.
Antifungals are combined with steroid creams for use in conditions such as skin fungal infections and are available as prescription products. However, many doctors choose not to prescribe topical steroids with topical antifungal agents due to risk of side effects and antifungal treatment failure.
Topical corticosteroids creams can be absorbed through the skin and cause side effects like skin thinning, pigment changes, and increases in blood sugar levels. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly and contact them if any side effects occur during treatment
This is not all the information you need to know about topical triamcinolone acetonide for safe and effective use and does not replace your doctor's directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Stacey SK, McEleney M. Topical Corticosteroids: Choice and Application. Am Fam Physician. 2021 Mar 15;103(6):337-343. PMID: 33719380.
- Triamcinolone topical. Monograph. Drugs.com. Accessed July 24, 2025 at https://www.drugs.com/mtm/triamcinolone-topical.html
- Nystatin / triamcinolone topical. Monograph. Drugs.com. Accessed July 24, 2025 at https://www.drugs.com/mtm/nystatin-and-triamcinolone-topical.html
- Patient education: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) (Beyond the Basics). Up to Date. Accessed July 31, 2023 at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/eczema-atopic-dermatitis-beyond-the-basics
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