Aristocort Cream (Triamcinolone)

Aristocort Cream general information

What is Aristocort Cream used for?

Aristocort Cream 0.02% is a topical skin cream used to treat several moderate to severe inflammatory skin diseases, such as various forms of dermatitis and eczema, including seborrhoeic dermatitis (a scaly rash that usually affects areas of the skin or scalp that are greasy or oily), neurodermatitis, caused by repeated rubbing or scratching, and other and chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis that forms patches of red scaly rash. Aristocort Cream 0.02% is also used to treat otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal) and anal and vulval pruritus or itching. Aristocort Cream 0.02% helps relieve symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling and discomfort.

How does Aristocort Cream work?

Aristocort Cream 0.02% contains the synthetic corticosteroid triamcinolone, which is a moderately potent glucocorticoid steroid hormone that is more potent than prednisone. Triamcinolone in Aristocort Cream 0.02% has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic (stops itching) and immunosuppressive properties. It also has vasoconstrictor actions, which means that it causes blood vessel narrowing. Triamcinolone in Aristocort Cream 0.02% works by blocking the enzyme involved in the production of a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin, which causes inflammation. Triamcinolone also blocks formation of other mediators of inflammation, like kinins and histamine release which causes itching, and also modifies the body's immune response. These actions of Aristocort Cream 0.02% reduce symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions.

What does Aristocort Cream contain?

Aristocort Cream 0.02% contains the active ingredient triamcinolone acetonide, a synthetic corticosteroid used as a topical treatment for inflammatory skin conditions. It also contains emulsifying wax, isopropyl palmitate, glycerol, sorbitol, lactic acid, 2% benzyl alcohol and purified water.

Aristocort Cream for inflammatory skin disease

Aristocort Cream 0.02% contains triamcinolone, a corticosteroid that is used as a topical treatment for various forms of chronic inflammatory skin disease. These include eczema and dermatitis, including atopic eczema, an inherited form of eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis (a scaly rash that usually affects areas of the skin or scalp that are greasy or oily), neurodermatitis, caused by repeated rubbing or scratching, and other and chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis that forms patches of red scaly rash. Triamcinolone in Aristocort Cream 0.02% has anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins, which helps relieve symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling and discomfort.

Aristocort Cream for itchy skin

Aristocort Cream 0.02% contains triamcinolone, a corticosteroid that is used to help relieve itchy skin, which is a symptom of several skin conditions, like dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis, and can cause the skin to become sore and inflamed. It is also used to treat otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal), anal and vulval pruritus or itching. Triamcinolone in Aristocort Cream 0.02% has anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins, and histamine release, which causes itching. These actions of Aristocort Cream 0.02% reduce symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions that cause itching and other conditions characterised by pruritus or itching.

What are the side effects of Aristocort Cream?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Aristocort Cream 0.02% include: burning, itching, irritation and dryness at the site of application, stretch marks (striae), drying or cracking of the skin caused by atrophy, minor infection if used under a dressing. Long-term use of Aristocort Cream may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently and this may slow down the growth rate in children.

When should Aristocort Cream not be used?

You should not use Aristocort Cream if you:

• are allergic to triamcinolone or any ingredients in Aristocort Cream
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding without discussion with your doctor
• have a viral infection of the skin, tuberculosis, acne rosacea (a chronic skin condition), perioral dermatitis (facial rash around the mouth), fungal skin infections or ulcerative conditions
• have damaged skin

How should Aristocort Cream be used?

You should apply your Aristocort Cream 0.02% to the affected area of skin by gently rubbing a small amount into the skin, 3-4 times daily. You should always wash your hands after applying the medication and make sure you don’t get any in your eyes, nose or mouth. For eczematised psoriasis you should apply your Aristocort Cream 0.02% under an occlusive impermeable dressing. You should continue to use Aristocort Cream 0.02% for as long as recommended by your doctor and depending on your condition; long term continuous use should be avoided as it can cause problems.

How long should you use Aristocort Cream?

You should continue to use Aristocort Cream 0.02% for as long as recommended by your doctor and depending on your condition; long term continuous use should be avoided as it can cause problems.

Missed dose of Aristocort Cream

If you miss a dose of Aristocort Cream 0.02% apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Aristocort Cream be stored?

You should store your Aristocort Cream below 25°C in a cool dry place.