Indications
Fluocinolone (fluocinolone acetonide) is a corticosteroid (steroid) used on the skin. On its own it treats inflamed, itchy skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. In Bangladesh it is most often found in a cream that combines it with Hydroquinone and Tretinoin, used for short-term treatment of moderate to severe melasma (brown or grey-brown patches on the face).
How It Works
Fluocinolone calms the immune reaction in the skin, which reduces redness, swelling and itching. In the melasma cream, Hydroquinone lightens the dark patches, Tretinoin speeds up skin renewal, and Fluocinolone reduces the irritation the other two can cause.
Dosage and Administration
- Eczema and dermatitis (steroid alone): apply a thin layer to the affected skin once or twice a day, usually for a short course, or as the doctor advises.
- Melasma cream (with Hydroquinone and Tretinoin): once a day at bedtime, wash and dry the face, then apply a thin layer only to the dark patches. It is usually used for up to 8 weeks and is not meant for continuous long-term use.
- Children: only as prescribed.
Wash your hands after use. Keep it away from the eyes, inside of the nose and mouth.
Interactions
There are no important interactions with medicines taken by mouth. Avoid using other strong skin products on the same area (such as Benzoyl Peroxide, peeling agents, astringents or other steroid creams) unless your doctor agrees.
Contraindications
- Allergy to fluocinolone or any ingredient.
- Untreated skin infections caused by bacteria, fungus or viruses (such as herpes or chickenpox).
- Acne, rosacea or rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis).
- The melasma cream with Tretinoin must not be used in pregnancy.
Side Effects
Burning, stinging, dryness, redness and peeling of the skin are common, especially with the melasma cream. Using a steroid cream for a long time can thin the skin and cause stretch marks, acne, small visible blood vessels and light patches. Long use of the melasma cream can also cause blue-black darkening of the skin.
Get urgent medical help if you notice severe swelling, blistering, a spreading rash, signs of infection such as pus or fever, or signs of allergy such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
The melasma cream containing Tretinoin must not be used in pregnancy or by women trying to become pregnant. A plain fluocinolone cream may be used in pregnancy only on a small area for a short time when a doctor advises it. When breastfeeding, do not apply it to the breasts, and ask your doctor before use.
Precautions and Warnings
Do not use it as a fairness or beauty cream; misuse on the face can cause lasting skin damage. Do not cover the area with a bandage unless the doctor tells you to. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and avoid strong sun while using the melasma cream. Children absorb more steroid through the skin, so use only under medical advice. Do not use it for longer than advised; stopping after long use may need to be gradual.
Overdose
Using too much over a long time can thin the skin and, rarely, cause hormonal effects such as weight gain in the face and high blood sugar. See a doctor, who may reduce it slowly. If the cream is swallowed, seek medical advice.
Therapeutic Class
Topical corticosteroid (medium potency).
Storage
Store below 30°C, do not freeze, keep the cap closed, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.