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Compare Ketoconazole vs. Triamcinolone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ketoconazole cream and triamcinolone are both topical medications used to treat skin conditions, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Ketoconazole cream is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal skin infections like ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, and seborrheic dermatitis. It works by damaging the protective outer layer of the fungus. Triamcinolone, on the other hand, is a corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis by reducing inflammation and irritation. While ketoconazole is applied once daily, triamcinolone is typically applied 2 to 4 times a day, depending on the formulation. Ketoconazole is available as a generic and requires a prescription, whereas triamcinolone is also prescription-only but comes in various forms like cream, ointment, lotion, and spray. Common side effects of ketoconazole include itching and skin irritation, while triamcinolone can cause burning, itching, and skin thinning if used excessively. Additionally, triamcinolone should not be used on infected skin, as it can worsen infections, whereas ketoconazole is specifically used to treat fungal infections.

  • Ketoconazole cream
    Triamcinolone
  • Ketoconazole cream
    Triamcinolone

  • Summary of Ketoconazole vs. Triamcinolone

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Ketoconazole cream is an antifungal medication. It's used to treat different types of fungal skin infections, including ringworm and yeast skin infections. Ketoconazole cream is approved for adults only. It's typically applied onto the skin once or twice a day. Most people have very few side effects, like itching and stinging where the cream is applied.

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Triamcinolone is a topical corticosteroid used to treat different inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema psoriasis, or skin allergies, in adults and children. It works by reducing inflammation, redness, and irritation. The medication is available in various formulations, such as cream, ointment, lotion, and topical spray. Depending on the formulation, it's typically applied between 2 to 4 times a day. Side effects are rare, but can include burning, itching, and dryness at the application site.

  • Indications of Ketoconazole vs. Triamcinolone

    Indications for
    •Ringworm
    •Jock itch
    •Athlete's foot
    •Tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin)
    •Seborrheic dermatitis
    •Yeast infection on the skin (caused by Candida)
    Indications for
    •Inflammatory skin conditions

  • Pros and Cons of Ketoconazole vs. Triamcinolone

    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Can treat many different kinds of fungal skin infections
    •Skin usually starts improving shortly after you start using the cream
    •Applied directly to the affected area(s)
    •Has few side effects
    Cons
    •Must use for at least 2 weeks (depends on the type of infection)
    •Not available over the counter
    •Some creams have sulfites, which can cause allergic reactions in certain people
    •Not known if safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Symptoms typically start to improve within a few days
    •Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, lotion, and spray
    •Might have less side effects compared to oral steroids that you take by mouth
    Cons
    •For short-term use only
    •Children might absorb more of this medication, raising the risk of side effects
    •Needs to be applied multiple times a day

  • Common Side Effects of Ketoconazole vs. Triamcinolone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Itchiness (5%)
    •Skin irritation (5%)
    •Stinging (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning
    •Itching
    •Skin irritation
    •Dry skin

  • Warnings of Ketoconazole vs. Triamcinolone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Skin infection
    •Skin problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Ketoconazole vs. Triamcinolone

    Learn more about Ketoconazole cream
    Learn more about Triamcinolone

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