Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Effective Is Triamcinolone for Acne?

Angela Farrer
Angela Farrer

Triamcinolone for acne is effective at treating serious cases of cystic acne by diminishing the inflammation process and deflating the nodule that forms deeper under the skin. This injected medication is known as an intralesional corticosteroid, meaning that a dosage of triamcinolone is administered to each individual lesion at a time. Dermatologists usually recommend triamcinolone for treating acne that does not noticeably improve from treatments such as oral medications or topical creams. These skin health professionals often report that the safety of triamcinolone depends on the dosage strength because higher doses can come with side effects along with the drug's effectiveness.

An injection of triamcinolone for acne is typically done in a dermatologist's office or clinic in a relatively short amount of time per appointment. The dermatologist inserts the appropriately-sized needle into an inflamed acne nodule until the needle meets resistance from the subcutaneous cyst. These types of cysts form when the associated bacterial infection triggers the body's natural immune system defenses. If one of these cysts suddenly ruptures, the surrounding skin cells can often become damaged and result in a visible acne scar. A controlled dose of injected triamcinolone causes the cyst to slowly deflate over roughly three to five days with a lower risk of scarring.

A close up of acne.
A close up of acne.

The average dose of triamcinolone for acne is about 2.5 mg (equal to 2,500 mcg), and most dermatologists only administer a higher dosage for the most severe cases of cystic acne. Before receiving this kind of acne treatment, patients are usually required to provide certain information about their past medical histories to avoid the risk of triamcinolone drug interactions. Acne sufferers taking medication for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or reduced liver function are generally not viable candidates for injections of triamcinolone for acne. This medication is also not considered safe for women who may become pregnant in the near future.

Negative drug interactions with certain other medications can limit the use of triamcinolone.
Negative drug interactions with certain other medications can limit the use of triamcinolone.

Some of the most common side effects of triamcinolone include a temporarily weakened immune system and short-term headaches or throat irritations. Dermatologists who perform this treatment usually advise their patients to avoid exposure to infections whenever possible. These preventative measures usually entail regular hand-washing and keeping a distance from other people who may have colds or flu viruses. People receiving triamcinolone injections are also not considered candidates for influenza vaccinations until they have stopped the treatment for at least a few weeks. This type of immunization can sometimes make the side effects of triamcinolone noticeably worse.

Discussion Comments

clintflint

@Ana1234 - Everyone has to find the thing that's going to work for them though. I'm sure anyone who is recommended to try triamcinolone has already tried every other potential solution, with the advice of their doctor. It's pretty potent, so no one is going to use it as a first resort.

Unfortunately, acne is just a leftover from when we used to have fur and producing oil for that fur was a good idea.

Ana1234

@Iluviaporos - I know there are definitely people out there who can't control their acne and I definitely don't think anyone should use medication that they don't want to use. This one, for example, seems pretty strong.

But I also think that a lot of people who have acne do have it in their power to reduce it, without having to turn to medication. I have PCOS, which means that even though I'm in my 30's I still get acne outbreaks. And after years of trying everything under the sun, I've found the best solution is to simply wash my face with an anti-acne face scrub in the morning, and wash it again with plain face cleanser in the evening. That's it. It won't help everyone, of course, but I know a lot of teenage boys who would be better off if they followed that routine.

lluviaporos

I can't even imagine having such bad acne that you need to get a little injection for each individual sore. I always feel so bad for kids who get that kind of terrible rash on their faces or for people who end up with scars. I had pretty bad acne when I was a teenager as well and it's so painful and embarrassing, I always wanted to just crawl under my bed. It wasn't a tiny little spot, like they have on acne commercials, it was always a full blown breakout.

But, for most people it does eventually pass and get better. You just have to remember that anyone who thinks badly of you because of something you can't control isn't a nice person in the first place.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A close up of acne.
      By: olavs
      A close up of acne.
    • Negative drug interactions with certain other medications can limit the use of triamcinolone.
      By: JJAVA
      Negative drug interactions with certain other medications can limit the use of triamcinolone.
    • Headaches are a possible side effect of triamcinolone.
      By: jinga80
      Headaches are a possible side effect of triamcinolone.
    • A triamcinolone treatment should be performed by a dermatologist.
      By: michaeljung
      A triamcinolone treatment should be performed by a dermatologist.
    • Topical ointments should be prescribed in an effort to reduce breakouts, only resorting to triamcinolone in severe cases.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Topical ointments should be prescribed in an effort to reduce breakouts, only resorting to triamcinolone in severe cases.