Can triamcinolone acetonide cream be used for cellulitis

Triamcinolone acetonide is used for the treatment of redness, swelling and itching that is associated with skin or scalp ailments such as dermatitis or eczema. It belongs to a group of medications called corticosteroids and has anti-inflammatory and anti-itching actions.

Table of Contents Show

What is this medication used for
Dosage and How to Use
Side Effects, Precautions, Contraindication
Before you use this medication
Side effects
Handling and Storage
When to seek further medical advice
Missed Dose
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Can I use triamcinolone for cellulitis?
What kind of cream can you put on cellulitis?
Can you use steroid cream on cellulitis?
Will triamcinolone acetonide treat skin infection?

What is this medication used for

Dosage and How to Use

Adults (18 years old and above)

Triamcinolone acetonide should be applied as a thin layer to the affected area twice a day by gently rubbing the cream/ointment/gel/topical solution onto the skin. The amount of cream/ointment/gel/topical solution you should use depends on the size of the affected area. Avoid using excessive amounts of this product or applying it on large areas of skin. Wash and dry the whole area to be treated before applying the cream/ointment/gel/topical solution.

Do not use the cream/ointment/gel/topical solution on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes, or skin areas that are infected. Do not cover the treated area with a bandage or dressing unless your doctor has told you to do so. Do not apply onto the face/eyelid unless your doctor has told you to do so. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the product and avoid contact with the eyes, mouth or nostrils. If the product comes into contact with any of these areas, rinse it off immediately with plenty of water.

Duration of use varies and you should discontinue use once your skin condition has resolved. You should consult a doctor if your condition has not resolved by 2 weeks.

Do not share the product with others even if they have similar signs and symptoms.

Side Effects, Precautions, Contraindication

Before you use this medication

This cream/ointment/gel/topical solution should be avoided if you have a known history of allergy to Triamcinolone acetonide or any of the other listed ingredients in the product.

This medication should not be used by any children or adolescents below 18 years old unless prescribed by a doctor.

There is limited experience with the use of Triamcinolone acetonide during pregnancy. Please seek your doctor's advice before using this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects

Burning, itching, irritation, scaling or dryness of the skin at application site. Acne, inflammation of hair follicles causing excessive hair growth, rashes around the mouth, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary skin infection.

Skin thinning or change in skin colour may occur with prolonged or excessive use.

Handling and Storage

Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool dry place not exceeding 30°C.

When to seek further medical advice

Inform your doctor and/or pharmacist immediately if you experience any allergic symptoms (e.g. rashes, itchiness, difficulty in breathing or swelling of the face, lips or areas around the eyes) or serious side effects due to this medication.

Consult a doctor if there are signs of infection at the site of application like redness, swelling, discharge of pus.

Consult a doctor if your condition worsens or if you do not see improvement in 2 weeks.

Information updated 31st March 2016
Prepared by the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore (www.pss.org.sg)

Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause unwanted side effects or skin irritation.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away with water.

If you or your child are using the spray form on or near the face, protect your nose to avoid breathing it in and make sure that your eyes are covered.

This medicine should only be used for skin conditions that your doctor is treating. Check with your doctor before using it for other conditions, especially if you think that a skin infection may be present. This medicine should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or conditions, such as severe burns.

Do not use the spray on the groin or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor.

To use:

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area of the skin. Rub it in gently.
Do not bandage or otherwise wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your doctor.
If the medicine is applied to the diaper area of an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants unless directed to do so by your doctor.
If your doctor ordered an occlusive dressing or airtight covering to be applied over the medicine, make sure you know how to apply it. Occlusive dressings increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin, so use them only as directed. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

The spray form is flammable until it dries on the skin. Do not use it near heat, an open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For redness, itching, and swelling of the skin:
- For topical dosage forms (cream, lotion, and ointment):
  - Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin two to four times per day.
  - Children—Apply to the affected area of the skin two to four times per day.
- For topical dosage form (aerosol spray):
  - Adults—Spray to the affected area of the skin three to four times per day.
  - Children—Spray to the affected area of the skin three to four times per day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2022

Can I use triamcinolone for cellulitis?

The most appropriate action is to prescribe triamcinolone cream, discontinue the cephalexin, and encourage elevation of the legs.

What kind of cream can you put on cellulitis?

Most over-the-counter products, such as petroleum jelly, are good to use. Ask your healthcare provider about specific creams or ointments you should use.

Can you use steroid cream on cellulitis?

Cellulitis may coexist with these disorders. If in doubt, treat for infection. It is quite safe to prescribe additional potent topical steroid for a few days.