Sometimes our skin gets all sorts of problems, right? Suddenly, a spot on the skin becomes red, swollen, and starts itching unbearably. This could be an allergy. In times like these, a doctor may give you a cream called 'Clocortolone'. It is available under brands like Cloderm. So, today we will talk about what this Clocortolone is, how exactly it is used, and what we need to be careful about.
What is this Clocortolone?
Simply put, Clocortolone is a topical cream that belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids . It is used to control swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions in the skin.
The most important thing is that this is a medicine that is only meant to be applied to the skin. It is not recommended to take it by mouth (drink) for any reason.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Okay, before you start using this cream, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Because, we need to be very careful when using this medicine with certain medical conditions. Especially if you have any of the conditions below, don't forget to tell your doctor about it.
| Do you have this condition? | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Acne or rosacea condition | This cream is not suitable for those conditions. It may even make the problem worse. |
| Any type of skin infection (bacterial, fungal) | Steroids can mask infections or allow them to spread. |
| Diabetes | Although rare, the amount of medication absorbed into the body through the skin can affect blood sugar levels. |
| Large areas of burned or damaged skin | Damaged skin can cause more medication to be absorbed into the body, increasing the risk of side effects. |
| Thinning or weakening of the skin | This medication can thin the skin when used for a long time, so it is important to notify if you already have a problem. |
| Allergies to Clocortolone, other steroids, or other medications/foods | This is essential to prevent an allergic reaction. |
| Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant | It is very important to seek medical advice before using any medication during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding | Talk to your doctor about the effects of the medication and make a decision. |
How exactly do you use this cream?
To get the most out of a medication, it's important to use it correctly. Here are some simple tips for doing so.
- Wash your hands thoroughly: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
- Apply a thin layer: Do not apply more than necessary. Apply a very thin layer of the cream to the affected area only, and gently massage into the skin until absorbed.
- Do not cover: Unless your doctor tells you to, do not cover the area where the medicine was applied with bandages, plasters, or tight clothing.
- Do not apply to healthy skin: Do not apply this cream to healthy, unproblematic skin.
- Avoid contact with eyes, nose, or mouth: If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with clean water immediately.
- Do not use more than the recommended amount:Do not take more than the doctor tells you to take, or more often than the doctor tells you to take.
Do I need to be especially careful when using it on children and the elderly?
Yes, definitely.
If you are using this medicine on young children , especially in the diaper area, do not wear tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. Doing so may cause more of the medicine to be absorbed through the skin and increase the risk of serious side effects.
Older adults' skin is usually thinner and more damaged with age. Therefore, they are also more likely to experience side effects. Therefore, adults should only use this medicine for a short period of time.
What are the expected side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them require immediate attention, while others are usually not serious.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| If these symptoms appear, tell your doctor as soon as possible. | |
| Severe allergic reactions (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, skin rash, severe itching) | Stop taking the medicine immediately and seek medical advice. |
| Dark red spots on the skin | Inform the doctor. |
| The treated skin condition does not improve or worsens | Discuss with the doctor again. |
| Painful, red, pus-filled blisters (especially around hair follicles) | Show it to the doctor. |
| Thin skin and easy bruising | Notify the doctor immediately. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Dry skin | If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Further redness or peeling of the skin | If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Slight burning or tingling | If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Abnormal hair growth on the face or body | If it persists, tell your doctor. |
Other important things to know
- What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
- Will there be problems with other medications?
This cream usually doesn't cause any major problems with other medications you take. But the most important thing is, don't use any other skin product on the same area as this cream without first asking your doctor.
- In an emergency?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, or if someone has accidentally taken it, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- How to store the medicine?
Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius), out of the reach of children . Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Clocortolone is a steroid (corticosteroid) cream used to treat skin conditions such as swelling, redness, and itching.
- This should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Apply a thin layer only to the affected area.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, especially diabetes, skin infections, or other allergies, before using the medicine.
- Do not cover the area where the medicine was applied with anything like a bandage (unless your doctor tells you to). Be especially careful about this in the diaper area of small children.
- If you experience symptoms such as thinning skin, severe allergies, or non-healing wounds, see your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Clocortolone topical / Cloderm?
This is a highly effective skin cream in the (medium-potency) corticosteroid category! It is recommended by most doctors for the immediate relief of severe inflammation, redness, and unbearable itching (Inflammation and Pruritus) of eczema/dermatitis.
💬 How does applying this steroid cream (Clocortolone) to the skin relieve inflammation?
This is magic that works deep inside the skin! The reason why the skin itches and becomes red is because our body releases chemicals (like histamine/Prostaglandins). This cream penetrates the skin and goes deep into the cells (by producing proteins called Lipocortins), completely shutting down and blocking all those chemical factories that cause inflammation and itching. Then the swelling and itching will decrease within hours.
💬 What are the dangers to watch out for when using this steroid cream?
The biggest danger is if you keep applying it! If you keep applying steroid cream, your skin will become very thin and paper-like (Skin Atrophy), and you may also get stretch marks. The other dangerous thing is that if you apply it to a large area or an injured area, it can be absorbed into the body and disrupt the entire body's hormonal system (HPA axis suppression).
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