Fluticasone for severe inflammatory skin conditions

About topical fluticasone

Fluticasone is classed as a 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. Fluticasone 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.

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

Fluticasone is not generally suitable for children, although it may occasionally be prescribed for a child by a skin specialist doctor.

Before using fluticasone

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using fluticasone 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 fluticasone

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

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

• If you are using fluticasone 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 afterwards.

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

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are using an emollient along with this preparation, apply the emollient first. Then wait 10-15 minutes before applying fluticasone cream/ointment. This allows time for the emollient to be absorbed before the topical corticosteroid is applied. (Your skin should be moist but not slippery when you apply fluticasone.)

• Do not use the cream/ointment on your face unless your doctor has said you should. If you have been told to use it on your face, be careful not to get any preparation 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 preparation and increase the risk of side-effects.

• Continue to use fluticasone until the flare-up has completely gone and then 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. Topical corticosteroids like fluticasone should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body, especially in children.

• After you finish using fluticasone, continue to use your emollients every day. This will help to prevent a further flare-up.

Can fluticasone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. A full list of possible side-effects can be found in the information leaflet that comes with your medicine. You can reduce the risk of side-effects from fluticasone by applying the preparation thinly, no more than twice a day, and applying it to the affected areas only.

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you experience these or any other side-effects which you think may be due to fluticasone cream/ointment.

Important: there is a risk of fire when creams and ointments are absorbed by fabrics (such as clothing or bedsheets), making them flammable. A spark or flame can easily ignite the fabric. The risk is highest when large amounts of paraffin-based products are applied and absorb into fabrics. However there is also a risk when non-paraffin products are used. Be aware of this fire hazard when repeatedly using large amounts of any skin product. Do not smoke or go near naked flames.

How to store fluticasone

• 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