Kenalog contains triamcinolone, a potent corticosteroid. Triamcinolone reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

Kenalog topical is used to treat the inflammation caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis. The dental paste form of triamcinolone (Kenalog Orabase) is used to treat mouth ulcers.

Kenalog topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Use Kenalog exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with Kenalog can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Avoid using Kenalog on your face, near your eyes, or on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin.

Do not use Kenalog on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of Kenalog.

Kenalog topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.

Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this medication for several days.

Before using Kenalog

Do not use Kenalog if you are allergic to triamcinolone.

To make sure you can safely use Kenalog, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• any skin infection, especially tuberculosis infection of the skin;

• chicken pox or herpes infection (including cold sores);

• diabetes; or

• a stomach ulcer.

It is not known whether Kenalog will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether triamcinolone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Kenalog without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby. Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of Kenalog.

Use Kenalog exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Kenalog topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.

Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using Kenalog to treat a hand condition.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin.

Avoid using Kenalog on your face, near your eyes or mouth, or on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin.

If you are using the dental paste, apply the medication in a thin layer, just enough to cover the mouth ulcer. The paste may stick better if you dry the mouth ulcer before applying the medication.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with Kenalog can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions. Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this medication for several days. It is important to use Kenalog regularly to get the most benefit.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use Kenalog if you are allergic to triamcinolone.

To make sure you can safely use Kenalog, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• any skin infection, especially tuberculosis infection of the skin;

• chicken pox or herpes infection (including cold sores);

• diabetes; or

• a stomach ulcer.

It is not known whether Kenalog will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether triamcinolone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Kenalog without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby. Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of Kenalog.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, especially if anyone has accidentally swallowed this medicine. An overdose of Kenalog applied to the skin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

Avoid getting Kenalog in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use Kenalog on sunburned, windburned, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using Kenalog in open wounds.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or skin cleansers, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with Kenalog unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Kenalog: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these signs that you may be absorbing triamcinolone through your skin or gums:

• blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;

• uneven heartbeats;

• mood changes;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• weight gain, puffiness in your face; or

• feeling tired.

Less serious Kenalog side effects may include:

• skin redness, burning, itching, or peeling;

• thinning of your skin; or

• blistering skin; or

• stretch marks.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied Kenalog. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.