Fluocinonide for severe inflammatory skin conditions

About fluocinonide

Fluocinonide 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. Fluocinonide 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. Short courses of fluocinonide may also be prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis for small areas such as the scalp, soles of the feet, or palms of the hands.

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. Fluocinonide is not generally suitable for children, as less potent topical steroids are often preferred. However, a short course of up to two weeks may occasionally be prescribed for a child with severe eczema on the arms or legs.

Before using fluocinonide

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

• Before you start using the preparation, 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 to the areas of skin which are inflamed. Then gently rub it into the skin until it has disappeared. Do not use fluocinonide on any open sores 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 fluocinonide. It should 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.

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

• If you are using fluocinonide 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 fluocinonide, follow the directions you have been given very carefully, and do not use it for longer than you have been told to.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are using a moisturiser along with this preparation, apply the moisturiser first. Then wait 10-15 minutes before applying fluocinonide. 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 fluocinonide.

• Do not use fluocinonide on your face unless a skin specialist 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 you are 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 and increase the risk of side-effects.

• Continue to use fluocinonide until the flare-up has 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 fluocinonide should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body.

• After you finish using fluocinonide, continue to use your moisturiser every day as this will help to prevent a further flare-up. You may also be given a less potent topical steroid to use for a while after you stop using fluocinonide to make sure your symptoms go completely.

Can fluocinonide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. You can reduce the risk of side-effects from fluocinonide, by applying the preparation thinly, no more than twice a day, and to the affected areas only.

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.

When used as directed by your doctor or pharmacist, steroid creams will be applied in small quantities on small areas of skin. There should be minimal absorption into fabrics and a lower risk of fire.

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

How to store fluocinonide

• 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