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:

• Si tiene alguna zona de piel infectada.

• Si tiene rosácea o acné.

• Si está embarazada o en periodo de lactancia.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un preparado cutáneo.

How to use fluocinonide

• Antes de empezar a utilizar el preparado, lea el prospecto impreso del fabricante que se encuentra en el interior del envase. Te dará más información sobre los corticoides tópicos y te proporcionará una lista completa de los efectos secundarios que puedes experimentar con su uso.

• 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.

• La cantidad de corticoide tópico que debe aplicarse suele medirse en unidades de yema de dedo (UDA). Una UDA es la cantidad de crema o pomada que se exprime a lo largo de la yema del dedo de un adulto (es decir, desde el extremo del dedo hasta el primer pliegue del dedo). A título orientativo, una FTU es suficiente para cubrir una zona del doble del tamaño de una mano adulta. Su médico le dará una idea de cuántas FTU necesitará para cubrir la zona de piel afectada.

• 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.

• Si utiliza más de un corticosteroide tópico, asegúrese de saber cuándo y dónde utilizar cada uno. Si no está seguro, consulte a su médico o pida consejo a su farmacéutico.

• 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.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• 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.

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

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos