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.
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.
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.