Sometimes, no matter how good and expensive shampoos we use, the itchy scalp and flaky scalp just won't stop, right? This is really annoying. Some people are embarrassed to even go out in public. In such a situation, a special treatment that goes beyond a regular shampoo may be needed. In such a situation, a doctor may prescribe you a shampoo called Fluocinolone. Let's talk about this simply and precisely today.
Simply put, what is this Fluocinolone shampoo?
Fluocinolone is a prescription-only shampoo. It is mainly used to treat a skin condition called Seborrheic Dermatitis . Think of it like severe dandruff. The scalp becomes dry, red, and itchy, and the skin starts to peel off.
This shampoo belongs to a group of drugs called Topical Steroids . Don't worry, this isn't the kind of stuff you'd get at the gym when you hear the word 'steroids'. These are medications that are applied externally to the skin to reduce inflammation . What this shampoo does is reduce the redness, itching, and swelling on the scalp and heal the skin. In Sri Lanka, it can be found under brands like Capex.
Things you should tell your doctor before using this shampoo
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine to you, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. This is because some medical conditions require more caution when using this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
| Your situation | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | These types of steroids can sometimes be absorbed into the body through the skin and affect blood sugar levels. |
| Scalp wounds, burns, or areas of skin damage | Damaged skin is more likely to absorb more medication into the body, increasing the risk of side effects. |
| Skin Infection | Steroids can make some infections worse, so the infection needs to be treated separately. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should always consult your doctor before using any medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | It is important to confirm whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk or not. |
| Other allergies | Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Fluocinolone, other steroids, other medications, foods, or preservatives. |
How exactly do you use this shampoo?
To get the most out of a medicated shampoo like this, it's very important to know how to use it correctly.
Most importantly: This shampoo should only be used on the outside of the scalp. Do not take it by mouth or apply it anywhere else on the body for any reason.
Here's how to do it step by step:
1. Shake well: Shake the shampoo bottle well before use.
2. Wet your hair: First, wet your hair and scalp thoroughly with water.
3. Apply shampoo: Take the required amount of shampoo and apply it to your scalp, massaging it until it lathers. It is more important to apply it to your scalp than your hair.
4. Leave on for 5 minutes: Apply the shampoo and leave it on your hair for about 5 minutes , unless your doctor tells you otherwise. This is the time it takes for the medicine to work its magic on your skin.
5. Rinse thoroughly: After 5 minutes, rinse hair and scalp thoroughly with clean water. Do not leave any shampoo residue.
6. Wash your hands: Once you're done with all this, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
Further things to remember:
- Do not get in your eyes: If this shampoo gets in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with plenty of clean water.
- Do not increase the dose: Do not use more than the number of times your doctor tells you to. Doing so will not make you feel better any faster, and instead will increase the chances of side effects.
- Do not cover your head: Do not cover your head with a towel or shower cap while applying shampoo, unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- If given to children: Special care is required when using this in young children. Therefore, follow medical advice.
What to do if you miss a dose or take too much medication?
If you miss a dose
If you forget to use the shampoo one day, don't worry. Use it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use it only on the scheduled time. Never use a double dose.
Overdosage
If you think you have accidentally used too much of this, or if someone has ingested it, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Let's also be aware of the side effects.
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone gets them. However, it is important to be aware of this.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Thinning skin or easy bruising | If the skin where the medicine is applied is thin and feels like it is bruised even if something small touches it. |
| Signs of skin infection | If the scalp becomes red, swollen, feels warm, or the pain increases. |
| Small blisters around the hair shaft | Small, red, pus-filled blisters appear around hair follicles. |
| 🙂 Usually not serious (but if it persists, tell your doctor ) | |
| Mild itching, redness, or dryness | Slight discomfort at the injection site. |
| Abnormal hair growth | Unexpected hair growth at the site of application. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How do you keep a shampoo bottle safe?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat or cold.
- After use, close the bottle cap tightly.
- After 2 months, discard any remaining shampoo in the bottle.
If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, be sure to see your doctor again.
Take-Home Message
- This is a medicine prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, use it only as directed by the doctor and for the duration of time prescribed.
- This is just a shampoo that is applied externally to the scalp. Never drink it.
- Tell your doctor about other medical conditions you have (especially diabetes, infections) and other medications you are taking.
- Be aware of serious side effects (allergies, skin thinning). If you notice any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms as me.
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