The short answer
- Strengths: 0.025% (low-medium), 0.1% (medium), 0.5% (high potency).
- Typical sizes (US): 15 g, 30 g, 80 g tubes and 454 g jars for 0.025% and 0.1%; 0.5% mainly in small tubes. Australian products include Aristocort 0.02% cream and ointment.
- How long a tube lasts: 1 fingertip unit ≈ 0.5 g. A 15 g tube ≈ 30 FTUs; an 80 g tube ≈ 160 FTUs.
Strengths and what they’re used for
| Strength |
Potency (US class) |
Typical use |
| 0.025% |
Low-medium (class 6) |
Mild eczema, larger areas, short courses on thinner skin |
| 0.1% |
Medium (class 4–5, depending on base) |
Body eczema, dermatitis, insect-bite reactions |
| 0.5% |
High (class 3) |
Thick, stubborn patches on hands, feet, elbows, knees; short courses |
Ointment versions of the same strength are often slightly more potent than creams, because the greasy base helps the steroid penetrate. Lotions suit hairy areas. In the UK and Australia, triamcinolone creams are less common than in the US; equivalent-potency options such as betamethasone or mometasone are often used instead. See the potency ladder in our skin treatments guide.
Tube sizes and how long they last
| Pack |
Fingertip units (≈0.5 g each) |
Example: one hand (1 FTU) twice daily |
Example: both legs (12 FTU) once daily |
| 15 g tube |
~30 |
~15 days |
~2–3 days |
| 30 g tube |
~60 |
~30 days |
~5 days |
| 80 g tube |
~160 |
~80 days |
~13 days |
| 454 g jar (1 lb) |
~900 |
Long-term maintenance on large areas, prescribed |
~2–3 months |
Available sizes vary by manufacturer and over time, so check with your pharmacy. If your prescription’s tube size seems far too large or too small for the area you’ve been told to treat, ask the prescriber; under-use is a common reason eczema keeps flaring.
How to use triamcinolone cream
- Apply a thin layer once or twice daily as directed, measured in fingertip units.
- Use 0.5% only on thick skin and for short periods (often up to 2 weeks), then step down.
- Avoid the face, groin and armpits unless specifically prescribed; these areas absorb much more.
- Don’t use it on untreated fungal or bacterial infections, acne or rosacea.
- Apply moisturiser separately, 15–30 minutes apart.
- Wash hands after applying, unless you’re treating your hands.
Long-term use of potent steroids can thin the skin, cause stretch marks and, when large areas are treated, be absorbed into the body. Children need extra care. Follow your prescriber’s plan for tapering, and ask about steroid-sparing options if you need treatment for more than a few weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Is triamcinolone 0.1% the same as Kenalog?
Kenalog is a brand of triamcinolone acetonide, best known for injections (Kenalog-10, Kenalog-40). Kenalog cream and ointment existed in the US; generic triamcinolone 0.1% cream contains the same active ingredient.
How many grams are in a tube of triamcinolone?
Commonly 15 g, 30 g or 80 g for tubes, and 454 g for jars in the US. The label states the weight.
Can I use triamcinolone cream on my face?
Usually not, unless a doctor has prescribed it for a short time. Mild steroids such as hydrocortisone are preferred on the face.
Sources and further reading
CanforaMedicine Guide
