Does Triamcinolone Acetonide Help Acne?

There are many proven and effective treatments for acne.

And then there are creams people use to treat acne that really shouldn’t be used anywhere near the face because of the potential harm they could do to your skin.

Creams like Neosporin and triamcinolone acetonide are two that come to mind.

They’re routinely used as treatments for acne but really aren’t meant to be used to treat acne.

So before trying harsh creams that could potentially damage your skin it’s important to make sure they’re safe.

Let’s take a closer look at triamcinolone acetonide.

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Does topical triamcinolone acetonide help acne?

No, triamcinolone acetonide isn’t an effective acne treatment.

Don’t use it on your face unless instructed to do so by a doctor.

This is a steroid, and if used incorrectly can really irritate your skin and make your acne much worse.

Steroids are not good for long-term use.

If used longer than necessary it may cause irritation and hair growth wherever applied.

So it’s not a great idea to use this for acne treatment.

3 alternatives to try instead:

Triamcinolone acetonide cream isn’t approved for acne and shouldn’t be used in your skincare routine.

Here are some other great alternatives that are more appropriate:

1. Cleanse

Whether your skin is acne-prone or not, cleansing is important.

It’s the first line of defence against bacteria, clogged pores and acne.

It’s important to have a good daily skincare routine that you follow consistently to maintain a healthy complexion.

A gentle cleanser is all you need for this step. Keep it simple. No need for harsh cleansers.

try one of these:

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliating once or twice a week helps to reveal newer and healthier skin.

If you’re not already, try a product with salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid is a gentle exfoliating agent known for reducing acne by clearing away dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and opening up clogged pores.

One of the primary benefits of using Salicylic acid is that it helps reduce inflammation on the skin and assists in clearing breakouts.

This helps to improve your skin’s tone and texture which can be a huge benefit if you have acne-prone skin.

Top picks:

3. Spot Treat

If you’re looking for a spot treatment, search for one with benzoyl peroxide.

The ingredient is a common one when it comes to spot treatments and is found in over-the-counter products in varying strengths as a gel, cream, or lotion, so you should have no trouble finding it in the form that works best for you.

Top picks:

What is triamcinolone acetonide?

Triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic corticosteroid that works by suppressing the immune system.

Injected directly into the skin or muscle it treats itching, eczema, and other skin conditions in both adults and children.

Injectable triamcinolone acetonide is for severe itching or other symptoms of conditions such as dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, lichen simplex chronicus (a form of itch that occurs near hairless areas on the body), and allergic reactions to insect bites or stings.

Possible side effects of this medication are high blood sugar levels, increased risk of infections, increased pressure in the eye, diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, and thinning bones.

How does triamcinolone cream work?

Triamcinolone cream is a topical corticosteroid that reduces inflammation by blocking the production of substances in the body that cause swelling.

It’s used to reduce skin redness, itching, and irritation from various conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis.

Triamcinolone cream works by blocking the release of certain inflammatory substances from cells. It inhibits an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) or decreases the number of substances called prostaglandins, all produced by the body to help in healing.

It also reduces redness and swelling, which are common symptoms of skin inflammation.

Does triamcinolone help cystic acne?

No, using triamcinolone acetonide won’t help treat cystic acne and shouldn’t be on your face.

However, preliminary studies have shown that an injectable form injected directly into the cysts has been shown to shrink pimples in a few hours.

This treatment, administered by a dermatologist, is cost-effective, readily available, and can make a big difference in how quickly your skin heals.

FAQ:

Can you use triamcinolone acetonide cream for dark spots and scars?

No, triamcinolone acetonide isn’t a good treatment for dark spots or scars. AHA’s, vitamin C serums, and topical retinoids are proven and better treatments for dark spots and acne scars.

Is triamcinolone acetonide cream good for wrinkles?

Nope. Triamcinolone acetonide won’t reduce the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles. Instead, stick with scientifically proven AHAs and topical retinoids.

Final thoughts

You definitely want to avoid using triamcinolone as an acne treatment. And it shouldn’t be used regularly or incorporated into your skincare routine. When used consistently, it can cause all kinds of skin issues like irritation and hair growth.

Instead, stick with proven acne treatments like salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide, follow a consistent skincare routine and if all else fails see a dermatologist who can help you get to the root of the problem.