Has your skin suddenly become red, like a rash, and itchy? Or is it an allergy? When we go to a doctor at times like these, they prescribe a cream to apply to the skin. You may have also been given a cream or ointment called Diflorasone. This is a fairly strong medicine that often helps control swelling, redness, and itching of the skin. So today, let's talk about this medicine in simple terms, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
What is this Diflorasone?
Simply put, Diflorasone is a topical cream that belongs to the corticosteroid class of drugs. Its main function is to control swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions on the skin. Imagine that your skin has inflammation for some reason. What this cream does is to "calm down" that inflammatory reaction and reduce the symptoms associated with it. That's why when you apply it, the itching and redness gradually decrease.
This may be prescribed by your doctor for other conditions as well. So if you have any questions, ask your doctor about it.
Things you should tell your doctor before using this medicine:
This is very important. You should definitely discuss these issues with your doctor before he prescribes this medication for you.
- Existing infections: Tell your doctor if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection on your skin or anywhere else in your body. Sometimes steroids can make infections worse.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you should disclose it, as sometimes these medications can be absorbed through the skin and have a small effect on blood sugar levels.
- Burned or damaged skin: This medicine may not be suitable if you have a large area of skin that is burned, injured, or severely damaged.
- Thinning skin: If your skin is already thin and easily bruised, mention it.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had a previous allergy to Diflorasone, another corticosteroid, another medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should tell your doctor before using this medicine.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly. Remember these steps carefully.
1. Apply to the skin only: This is not an oral medication. It is only to be applied externally to the skin .
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
3. Apply a thin film: This is a mistake that many people make. Applying too much medicine will not help you heal quickly. Apply a very thin film to the area prescribed by the doctor and rub it in gently.
4. Do not apply a bandage: Unless your doctor specifically tells you to "cover it with a bandage or plaster," leave the area where the medication was applied as is. Covering it will increase the chance of the medication being absorbed into the skin and causing side effects.
5. Do not apply to healthy skin: Apply the medicine only to the affected area. Do not apply it to healthy skin or large areas of skin.
6. Avoid contact with eyes: Be careful not to let the medicine get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
7. Do not use more than the prescribed amount: Do not use more often or in more quantity than the doctor has prescribed.
Be careful when using on young children and the elderly.
Young children: If your doctor prescribes this medication for a child, you should be very careful, especially if it is applied to the diaper area. Do not put a diaper on the child or put plastic pants on the child. If you do, the moisture and heat can cause the child to absorb more of the medication into the skin, causing serious side effects.
Elderly: Because skin becomes thinner with age, elderly people are at higher risk of side effects when using this medication. Therefore, it is best to use it for a very short period of time under the advice of a doctor.
What are the side effects? Be aware of these
Like any medication, this can cause side effects in some people, so it's important to be aware of this.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Severe allergies | Symptoms such as skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. These can be serious, so seek medical advice immediately. |
| Thinning of the skin | The skin where the medicine is applied becomes thin, bruises easily, and bleeds even with a slight bump. |
| Wounds not healing | The skin problem where the medicine was applied does not heal and persists or worsens. |
| Pus-filled blisters | Painful, red, pus-filled blisters in the hair follicles. |
| Vision changes | Changes in vision, such as blurred vision (may occur even if the medicine does not get into the eye). |
| If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Skin irritation/discomfort | A slight burning, soreness, or discomfort where the medicine is applied. |
| Increased redness | Increased redness or scaling of the skin. |
What else should you be concerned about?
- If there is no response to the medication: If you have not seen any improvement in your skin condition after about a week of using this medication, tell your doctor.
- Other infections: Tell your doctor if you have been in contact with someone who has measles or chickenpox while you are using this medicine, as steroids can weaken the skin's immune system and make these diseases more likely to cause complications.
- Do not share medicine: This is very important.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. It has been prescribed for your condition. Therefore, never share your medicine with others. It may harm them.
- Overdose : If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Diflorasone is a strong medication that must be prescribed by a doctor. Always use it in the prescribed amount, and only as a thin film.
- Before using the medicine, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have, such as diabetes, other infections, and allergies.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as excessive skin inflammation, thinning, or blistering, inform your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to a friend or family member.
- If you have any questions about the medicine or how to use it, it's best to ask your doctor instead of searching the internet.
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