Eczema Files: Triamcinalone

Dear Itchy Body,

I have a love-hate relationship with Triamcinalone creams and ointments.  Mainly hate.

Triamcinalone is a steroid often administered to patients with chronic eczema.

The first-time I was prescribed Triamcinalone was while I was in college. At the time, my eczema was only located in 6 distinct locations: the back of both knees, the inside of both elbows, the back of my neck, and the bridge between my lips and nose.

Most importantly, my skin only created raised, tough rashes. My skin never flaked, never dried up, never shed.

After the first time I used triamcinalone, I had a widespread reaction.  My entire neck broke out for the first time. My entire arm began to break out for the first time.  And spots of rashes began to appear all over my legs.

After a few days, my skin begun a lichenification and shedding process that never occurred any of the 21 years before. 

Since using triamcinalone, my eczema-rashes now occur all over my body.

Does triamcinalone work? Yes. While it may cause localized rashes to spread... it does eventually lessen the reaction and clear the rash. 

Another horrible side effect, it thins your skin. After a few years of use, you will find that your skin breaks from simply rubbing your skin too hard. 

If your doctor recommends triamcinalone- and you just have a few rashes on your body-Consider declining and requesting a higher percentage of hydrocortisone instead. 

If your case of eczema is as bad, and wide spread as mine is now... consider using the triamcinalone ointment over the thick cream. Personal preference.

Love,

Lhea J.