Is triamcinolone acetonide an antifungal cream?

Triamcinolone is not an antifungal cream. It is a topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) used to decrease inflammation and itching of skin conditions such as plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and allergic reactions. Topical corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation (redness, swelling, itching) on the skin. It comes as a cream, lotion, ointment and spray for the skin.

​​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 corticosteroid / antifungal 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 by prescription. These products are typically used short-term, for only a few weeks or until your symptoms resolve.

• Nystatin is an antifungal agent and triamcinolone is a corticosteroid.
• 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.

Topical corticosteroids may cause serious side effects, and may be more common in children. Children may have side effects such as HPA axis suppression (decreased productiosome n 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.

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.

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 triamcinolone / nystatin include:

• Dry skin
• Burning sensation
• Irritation or itching

Learn more: What are the expected side effects of triamcinolone?

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Bottom Line

• Triamcinolone is not an antifungal. It is a prescription topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) used 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. Review the full product information and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.