Triamcinolone

Triamcinolone

Potential efficacity for hair loss : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My recommendation

I think that Triamcinolone can prove to be very useful in treating alopecia areata and alopecia seborrheic. It can also treat seborrheic dermatitis as well as psoriasis and eczema. It is a versatile treatment.

Home 9 Medications and others 9 Triamcinolone

Triamcinolone is a synthetic steroid drug that reduces inflammation. It works by decreasing swelling, immune system activity, and adrenal gland function. Specifically, triamcinolone stops immune cells from moving to sites of inflammation. It also reverses increased blood vessel leakage that causes swelling.

At high doses, it suppresses the adrenal glands which normally produce cortisol, a natural anti-inflammatory hormone.

Triamcinolone treats inflammatory conditions like allergies, skin rashes, asthma, arthritis, bowel diseases, and overactive immune disorders. It comes in multiple forms like creams, injections, pills, inhalers and nasal sprays. The different forms work in different parts of the body to decrease inflammation.

Is it effective against hair loss?

To date, we have several studies that demonstrate the efficacy of Triamcinolone in treating alopecia areata hair loss.

Numerous studies also affirm its efficacy against psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis. For the latter, it is a cause of hair loss called seborrheic alopecia.

Triamcinolone may treat alopecia areata

There are several studies that have tested the effects of Triamcinolone on alopecia areata and all of these studies have led to the same conclusion: triamcinolone is effective in cases of alopecia areata in some people.

I will not cite them all, but here are some interesting ones:

2020 study: PRP vs Triamcinolone injection for Alopecia areata

In this 2020 study, conducted by Balakrishnan and colleagues , the injection of triamcinolone acetonide was compared to the injection of PRP (platelet rich plasma) on 40 patients suffering from alopecia areata.

The results were positive in both groups, here is a before and after photo:

2023 study: Pentoxifylline injection vs Triamcinolone injection for Alopecia areata

In this 2023 study, conducted by Abdo and colleagues, the injection of triamcinolone acetonide was compared to the injection of Pentoxifylline on 60 patients suffering from alopecia areata.

Pentoxifylline was superior to triamcinolone acetonide but both treatments showed good results.

Here is a before and after picture from a patient treated with Triamcinolone acetonide :

In general, all studies report a positive effect of Triamcinolone on alopecia areata. But as with all treatments, it will not be effective in all people.

Triamcinolone may reduce seborrheic dermatisis and seborrheic alopecia

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky, dry, white to yellowish scales on oily areas of the skin. It commonly affects the scalp, causing red, itchy, and greasy flaking that can lead to seborrheic alopecia – a form of hair loss due to inflammation from seborrheic dermatitis.

In a study from 2022 realized on 120 patients, triamcinolone has been very effective in reducing seborrheic dermatisis. During the study, 80 mg of triamcinolone was diluted with 0.1% normal saline.

Before treatment, the seborrheic dermatisis scoring index was 2.45 ± 7.45. After 2 weeks of treatment, it decreased by 61.6% to 2.86 ± 1.94. After 4 weeks, it decreased even more, by 88.6%, to 0.85 ± 1.02. It is a remarquable reduction !

Triamcinolone may treat Psoriasis

According to a study from 2022, injecting Triamcinolone acetonide is a very effective treatment for psoriasis. During the study, Triamcinolone acetonide has been more effective than 5 flurouracil injection and with fewer side effects.

To explain it in simple terms, psoriasis causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in red, thick, scaly patches on the skin. It is an immune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy skin cells by mistake. Psoriasis can be itchy and uncomfortable.

Here is an example of psoriasis :

Psoriasis can occur on the scalp and cause hair loss, that’s why it’s important to take precautions.

Triamcinolone may treat Eczema

In a 1997 study, Triamcinolone has been effective in the treatment of eczema on 21 patients. Generally, corticosteroids are effective in the treatment of conditions like eczema, so it’s not something very surprising.

Eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy, red, dry patches on the skin. It happens when the skin barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out does not work properly. This allows moisture to escape and irritants to enter, which leads to itchiness and inflammation.

Closing thoughts and verdict

I think that Triamcinolone can prove to be very useful in treating alopecia areata and seborrheic alopecia. It can also treat seborrheic dermatitis as well as psoriasis and eczema. It is a versatile treatment.

However, please note that Triamcinolone is often applied by injection and therefore requires the agreement and approval of a doctor. It is also not a first line treatment.

Initially, it would be more judicious to test topical corticosteroids as well as other treatments before trying Triamcinolone.

Precautions & side effects

Side Effects

Thinning skin
Easy bruising
Changes in body fat
Increased acne
Facial swelling
Vision problems
Increased appetite and weight gain

Precautions

Should not be used long-term
Increased risk of infection
May cause adrenal gland problems if stopped suddenly
Requires regular monitoring by a doctor
Can cause mood changes or other psychological effects
Use the minimum effective dose
Avoid alcohol while taking it
Caution in people with diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and other conditions