Topical Steroid Comparison Tool
Low Potency - Hydrocortisone 1%
Medium Potency - Aristocort (Triamcinolone)
High Potency - Betamethasone
Ultra-High Potency - Clobetasol
When you’re hunting for a steroid cream or injection, the brand name can feel like a maze. Aristocort is the commercial label for triamcinolone acetonide, a mid‑strength corticosteroid used on skin, in inhalers and as a joint injection. It’s praised for quick relief, but you’ll also see names like Hydrocortisone, Betamethasone, Clobetasol or Mometasone tossed around as alternatives. This guide breaks down how Aristocort stacks up against those contenders, so you can pick the right one for your condition, budget and safety profile.
Key Takeaways
- Aristocort sits in the medium‑potency range; it’s stronger than Hydrocortisone but milder than Clobetasol.
- Formulation matters - creams and ointments absorb differently, while injections target deeper tissue.
- Side‑effect risk climbs with potency and treatment duration; short bursts are usually safe.
- Cost in Australia varies: generic triamcinolone is often cheaper than the branded Aristocort, while ultra‑potent steroids like Clobetasol cost more.
- Choosing the right steroid hinges on the condition (eczema, psoriasis, allergic rash), body area treated and how long you need it.
Below you’ll find a side‑by‑side table, practical tips and a short FAQ that answers the most common follow‑up questions.
What is Aristocort (Triamcinolone) really?
Triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic glucocorticoid that reduces inflammation by suppressing immune signals. The drug comes in several forms:
- Cream or ointment (usually 0.025% or 0.1% for skin)
- Inhalation suspension for asthma
- Injectable suspension for joint pain or allergic reactions
Its potency is classified as “medium” - stronger than over‑the‑counter Hydrocortisone 1% but weaker than the ultra‑potent Clobetasol 0.05%.
How do the main alternatives compare?
| Brand / Generic | Potency (US classification) | Common Formulations | Typical Indications | Side‑Effect Profile | Approx. Cost in AU$ (30g tube) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aristocort (Triamcinolone) | Medium (Class III) | Cream 0.025% / 0.1%; Injection 40mg/ml | Eczema, psoriasis, allergic dermatitis, asthma inhaler | Skin thinning (rare with <2weeks), mild burning | $30-$45 (brand); $12-$18 (generic) |
| Hydrocortisone (OTC) | Low (Class I‑II) | Cream 0.5%-2.5%; Ointment 1% | Mild dermatitis, insect bites, diaper rash | Very low; minimal skin atrophy | $5-$10 |
| Betamethasone (Diprolene) | High (Class IV) | Cream 0.05%; Ointment 0.1% | Severe eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus | Higher risk of thinning, telangiectasia | $20-$35 |
| Clobetasol (Dermovate) | Ultra‑high (Class I) | Ointment 0.05%; Cream 0.05% | Thick plaques, palmoplantar psoriasis, stubborn eczema | Significant thinning, steroid‑induced acne | $25-$40 |
| Mometasone (Elocon) | Medium‑high (Class III‑IV) | Cream 0.1%; Lotion 0.1% | Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, scalp psoriasis | Moderate; less irritation than Betamethasone | $15-$25 |
| Prednisone (Oral) | Systemic steroid (high) | Tablet 5mg‑20mg | Severe asthma, autoimmune flare‑ups, joint inflammation | Weight gain, glucose rise, mood swings | $8-$12 (30‑day supply) |
Potency matters - why it changes the game
Think of potency like the volume on a speaker. Low‑potency steroids such as Hydrocortisone turn the “volume” down - they’re gentle enough for delicate skin (around the eyes or on infants) but may not quiet a raging flare. Mid‑potency options like Aristocort and Mometasone hit a comfortable middle ground: strong enough for most eczema patches without the aggressive side‑effects of Clobetasol.
When you go higher in class (Betamethasone, Clobetasol), the drug penetrates deeper and suppresses inflammation faster. That’s great for thick plaques, but it also means the skin’s protective barrier can wear thin after only a few weeks.
Side‑effects: what to watch for
All corticosteroids share a core set of risks: skin thinning (atrophy), stretch marks (striae), easy bruising, and potential suppression of the body’s own cortisol production if used over large areas or for months.
Here’s a quick rule‑of‑thumb:
- Low potency (Hydrocortisone): negligible atrophy, safe for face and groin.
- Medium (Aristocort, Mometasone): mild burning for the first 24h, atrophy only after >4weeks on >10% body surface.
- High (Betamethasone): watch for telangiectasia and pigment changes after 2-3weeks.
- Ultra‑high (Clobetasol): limit to 2weeks max; risk of systemic absorption, especially on broken skin.
Systemic steroids like Prednisone introduce whole‑body effects (blood sugar spikes, mood swings). They’re only prescribed when topical therapy can’t control the disease.
Cost and accessibility in Australia
In 2025 the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) subsidises many generic steroids but not the high‑cost branded creams. A quick price check shows:
- Generic triamcinolone cream (0.025%) - about $12 for a 30g tube.
- Aristocort brand - $35-$45, unless you have private insurance covering it.
- Hydrocortisone 1% - $5 over‑the‑counter, widely available in pharmacies.
- Betamethasone Diprolene - $20-$35, often prescribed for 2‑week bursts.
- Clobetasol Dermovate - $25-$40, restricted to specialist prescription.
If cost is a major factor, ask your doctor whether the generic version of triamcinolone will work for you. In most cases the clinical outcome is identical.
Making the right choice - a quick decision guide
Use the flow below to narrow down your steroid:
- What’s the condition? For mild eczema or insect bites, start with Hydrocortisone. For moderate atopic dermatitis, jump to Aristocort or Mometasone.
- Where on the body? Sensitive areas (face, groin) demand low potency. Thick skin (palms, soles) can handle higher potency.
- How large is the area? If covering more than 10% of body surface, stay in low‑to‑medium potency to avoid systemic absorption.
- How long will you need it? Short bursts (≤2weeks) are safe even with higher‑potency steroids. For chronic maintenance, stick to medium‑potency and rotate with steroid‑free emollients.
- Budget? Generic triamcinolone or Hydrocortisone are wallet‑friendly. If you need ultra‑potent Clobetasol, expect higher out‑of‑pocket costs and stricter doctor monitoring.
When in doubt, ask your pharmacist to compare the generic vs. branded options. They can often substitute a cheaper generic that is therapeutically equivalent.
Real‑world examples
Case 1 - Teen with atopic dermatitis: Sarah, 16, had flare‑ups on elbows and knees. Her doctor prescribed Aristocort 0.1% cream twice daily for two weeks. The rash cleared in four days, and because the treatment window was short, she experienced no skin thinning. After tapering off, she switched to a simple moisturiser.
Case 2 - Adult with stubborn palmoplantar psoriasis: Mark tried Hydrocortisone and Mometasone with little effect. His dermatologist introduced Clobetasol 0.05% ointment for a 10‑day cycle, then shifted to Betamethasone for maintenance. Mark saw a 70% reduction in plaque thickness but needed regular follow‑ups to monitor skin integrity.
Both stories show that potency must match the severity and location of the problem. Over‑treating a mild rash with Clobetasol can cause unnecessary side‑effects, while under‑treating a thick plaque with Hydrocortisone wastes weeks of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Aristocort on my face?
Only for short periods and at the lower 0.025% strength. The facial skin is thin, so many doctors prefer Hydrocortisone 1% or a prescription‑strength Mometasone for facial acne‑prone areas.
Is the injectable form of Aristocort the same as the cream?
The active molecule is the same, but the formulation is designed for deep tissue delivery. Injection is usually reserved for joint inflammation or severe allergic reactions, not for skin lesions.
How long should I wait before switching to a different steroid?
A typical course is 1‑2weeks for medium‑potency steroids. If no improvement, consult your doctor before swapping; sometimes a higher‑potency steroid is needed, but abrupt changes can increase side‑effects.
Are there any non‑steroid alternatives for eczema?
Yes - calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus ointment, moisturisers with ceramides, and antihistamine creams can help. They don’t carry the thinning risk, but may be less potent for acute flare‑ups.
Will my insurance cover the generic version of triamcinolone?
Most Australian private health funds list generic triamcinolone under Tier2, meaning a small co‑pay. The branded Aristocort usually isn’t covered, so ask the pharmacy for the generic at the point of sale.
Whether you end up with Aristocort, Hydrocortisone or a powerhouse like Clobetasol, the key is to match the steroid’s strength to the problem, keep an eye on side‑effects, and consider cost. Talk with your GP or dermatologist, and don’t hesitate to ask the pharmacist for cheaper equivalents. With the right fit, you’ll get relief fast and keep your skin healthy in the long run.
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