Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Triamcinolone (Triderm, Kenalog) and ketoconazole (Extina) are both topical prescription medications used to treat skin conditions, but they belong to different drug classes. Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis by reducing inflammation and irritation. It comes in various forms, such as creams, ointments, lotions, and sprays, and is typically applied 2 to 4 times a day. On the other hand, ketoconazole is an azole antifungal used to treat seborrheic dermatitis and comes as a foam that is applied twice daily. Both medications can cause burning as well as a rash at the application site. Triamcinolone is not suitable for long-term use, especially in children, due to the risk of adrenal suppression and skin thinning, whereas ketoconazole is not approved for use in children under 12 years old.
Triamcinolone
Ketoconazole foam (Extina)
Triamcinolone
Ketoconazole foam (Extina)
Summary of Triamcinolone vs. Extina
Summary for Corticosteroid
Prescription only
Triamcinolone is a topical corticosteroid used to treat different inflammatory skin conditions, like eczemapsoriasis, 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.
Summary for Azole antifungal
Prescription only
Ketoconazole foam (Extina) is an azole antifungal. It's used to treat seborrheic dermatitis in people 12 years and older. The foam is applied to the affected area(s), such as face and scalp, twice a day. Typically, a treatment lasts 4 weeks. One of the more common side effect of ketoconazole foam (Extina) is burning sensation at the application site.