Kenalog vs. Cortisone for Eczema and Psoriasis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Triamcinolone injection

(Kenalog)

Cortisone

Summary for Kenalog

Prescription only

Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) is a steroid injection that helps reduce inflammation in adults and children. The medication is used to treat many conditions, including allergies, skin conditions, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and gout attacks. It's typically given as a shot into the muscle (intramuscular) or directly into the affected joint (intra-articular). Side effects are similar to other steroid medications and can include trouble sleeping, mood changes, and injection side reactions.

Indications for Kenalog

This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune problems, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:

Allergies or allergic reactions
Skin conditions
Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
Conditions related to blood cells
Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia)
Nervous system conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
Eye conditions
Kidney conditions
Lung conditions
Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
Lupus

Pros and Cons for Kenalog

Pros

Available in multiple strengths
Can be injected directly into the joints to reduce inflammation
A dose can last for several weeks
Safe for children and adults

Cons

Not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Can raise your risk for infections
Causes side effects like headache, mood swings, and weight gain
Has a risk for bone loss or fractures

Common Side Effects for Kenalog

Injection site reactions
Swelling
High blood pressure
High blood sugar
Muscle weakness
Stomach pain
Trouble sleeping
Changes in your mood
Headache
Acne
Weight gain

Warnings for Kenalog

Serious nervous system problems
Severe allergic reactions
Heart and kidney problems
Hormone effects
Greater risk of infections
Eye problems
Stomach problems
Bone problems
Changes in mood and behavior
Cancer

Summary for Cortisone

Prescription only

Cortisone is a short-acting steroid medication used to treat different conditions that involve an overactive immune system. It's taken by mouth, but your dose can differ depending on condition you taking cortisone for. Short-term side effects of cortisone include changes in appetite, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. If you take this medication for a long time, you might experience weight gain or weakening of your bones.

Indications for Cortisone

Cortisone is used for many different medical conditions, including:

Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
Lupus
Skin conditions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
Allergic reactions
Eye inflammation
Lung problems
Conditions related to blood cells
Cancer of blood cells (e.g., leukemia)
Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)

Pros and Cons for Cortisone

Pros

Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
Works well to treat many different conditions involving the immune system
Less potent compared to other steroids, which might lead to fewer side effects

Cons

Long-term use might weaken your bones and cause high blood sugar
Can slow down growth in children
Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms if you've been taking it for a long time