Fluocortolone for inflammatory skin conditions

About fluocortolone

Fluocortolone is classed as a moderately potent topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids are also referred to as topical steroids. Topical steroids are used in addition to moisturisers (emollients) for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. A topical steroid is used when patches of eczema or dermatitis flare up. Fluocortolone relieves the symptoms of a flare-up by reducing inflammation, itching and redness. It is not a cure for the condition, but it will help to relieve the symptoms. Although less potent topical steroids are often preferred for use in children, a short course of fluocortolone may be prescribed for a child with severe eczema on the arms or legs.

Short courses of fluocortolone may also be prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis for areas such as the face, or the inside of elbows and behind the knees.

It is likely you will be prescribed a cream if the affected areas of your skin are moist or weeping, or an ointment if your skin is dry.

Before using fluocortolone

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using fluocortolone it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have any areas of infected skin.

• If you have rosacea or acne.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a skin preparation.
  

How to use fluocortolone

• Before you start using fluocortolone, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about topical steroids and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects that you may experience from using them.

• Apply a small amount of cream or ointment to the areas of skin which are inflamed. Then gently rub it into the skin until it has disappeared. Do not use it on any open sores or areas of infected skin.

• Your doctor will tell you how often to apply fluocortolone. It must not be applied more than twice a day, and once a day is often sufficient.

• The amount of topical steroid that you should apply is commonly measured by fingertip units (FTUs). One FTU is the amount of cream or ointment that is squeezed out along an adult's fingertip (that is, from the very end of the finger to the first crease in the finger). As a guide, one FTU is enough to cover an area twice the size of an adult hand. Your doctor will give you an idea of how many FTUs you will need to cover the area of your skin which is affected.

• If you are using more than one topical corticosteroid, make sure you know when and where to use each one. If you are unsure, check with your doctor or ask your pharmacist for further advice.

• After you have applied fluocortolone, remember to wash your hands (unless your hands are the treated area).

• If you are using fluocortolone for psoriasis, make sure you follow your doctor's instructions carefully. It should not be used for large areas of psoriasis or for long periods of time, as these can cause your symptoms to flare up again afterwards.

• Children are susceptible to side-effects from topical steroids. The main concern is for children who need frequent courses, as it can have an effect on their growth and this may need to be monitored. If your child has been prescribed fluocortolone, follow the directions you have been given very carefully, and do not use it for longer than you have been told to. As a general rule, it should not be used for more than 1-2 weeks in children.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are using a moisturiser along with fluocortolone, apply the moisturiser first. Then wait 10-15 minutes before applying fluocortolone. This allows time for the moisturiser to be absorbed before the topical corticosteroid is applied. Your skin should be moist but not slippery when you apply fluocortolone.

• If you have been told to use fluocortolone on your face, be careful not to get any near your eyes and do not use it for longer periods of time than you have been advised.

• Unless advised to do so by your doctor, do not apply a bandage or dressing to the area being treated, as this will increase absorption of the steroid through your skin and increase the risk of side-effects.

• Your doctor will tell you how long to use the preparation for. The general rule is to continue to use it until the flare-up has gone and then to stop it. A course of treatment for 7-14 days is often sufficient. If your symptoms have not improved after this time (or if they get worse), speak again with your doctor for further advice. Fluocortolone should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body, especially in children.

• After you finish using fluocortolone, continue to use your moisturiser every day. This will help to prevent a further flare-up. Your doctor may also prescribe a less potent steroid cream for you to use when needed.

Can fluocortolone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects but not everyone will experience them. Although side-effects from moderately potent corticosteroids like fluocortolone are rare, you can reduce the risk further by applying the preparation thinly, no more than twice a day, and to the affected areas only.

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice if you experience these or any other side-effects which you think may be due to using fluocortolone.

How to store fluocortolone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines