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Triamcinolone vs. Hydrocortisone

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

Key takeaways

Triamcinolone (brands: Trianex, Triderm, Kenalog) and hydrocortisone (brands: Locoid, Pandel, Cortizone-10) are both topical corticosteroids used to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and skin rashes. However, they differ in potency and availability. Triamcinolone is a medium to medium-high potency steroid, while hydrocortisone is a low to medium potency steroid. Both medications require multiple applications daily. Hydrocortisone is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, making it more accessible, while triamcinolone requires a prescription. Both medications come in various formulations, such as creams, ointments, and lotions, but triamcinolone also has a dental paste for mouth sores. Side effects for both include skin thinning and high blood sugar if used long-term, but triamcinolone may pose a higher risk due to its potency.

Triamcinolone

 

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topical hydrocortisone

 

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Summary for Triamcinolone

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 for Triamcinolone

  • Inflammatory skin conditions

Pros and Cons for Triamcinolone

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 for Triamcinolone

  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Skin irritation
  • Dry skin

Warnings for Triamcinolone

  • Reduced adrenal gland function
  • Skin infection
  • Skin problems

Summary for Hydrocortisone

Prescription or over-the-counter

Topical hydrocortisone is a steroid medication used to treat different skin conditions, such as eczema. It's available in many different formulations, including cream, ointment, lotion, and solution. Some strengths are found over the counter (e.g., hydrocortisone 1%), while you need a prescription for others (e.g., hydrocortisone 2.5%). In general, most people experience few to no side effects while using topical hydrocortisone as directed. Rarely, topical hydrocortisone might cause topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Watch out for skin rashes and irritations that get worse after stopping this medication.

Indications for Hydrocortisone

Short-term relief of skin irritations (e.g., itching) due to:

  • Skin inflammation
  • Skin rashes
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Insect bites
  • Poison ivy or oak
  • Skin allergies
  • Dry scalp
  • Genital or rectal irritation

Pros and Cons for Hydrocortisone

Pros

  • Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
  • Available over the counter
  • Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and solution

Cons

  • Short-term use only, otherwise it might cause skin thinning and high blood sugar
  • Applied multiple times a day
  • Might affect your body's ability to fight off infections

Common Side Effects for Hydrocortisone

  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Skin irritation
  • Dry skin
  • Inflamed hair follicles

Warnings for Hydrocortisone

  • Hormone problems and withdrawal
  • High blood sugar
  • New or worsened skin infection
  • Skin problems

Prices with our coupons for Triamcinolone vs. Hydrocortisone

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Triamcinolone1 jar / 430g of 0.05%
$68.06$881.83
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Hydrocortisone1 tube / 30g of 2.5%
$13.53$42.29
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