Did the doctor prescribe this cream for your skin problem? (Fluocinonide) - Let's find out!

Sometimes our skin gets into trouble. It can be caused by eczema, a rash, or an allergy, and the skin becomes red, swollen, and itchy. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe a cream, gel, or lotion containing a drug called Fluocinonide. So let's take a look at what exactly this drug is, how to use it, and what you need to be careful of.

What is Fluocinonide?

Simply put, Fluocinonide is a corticosteroid . It helps control and reduce things like swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions that occur in our skin. It can come in the form of a cream, gel, ointment, or solution. It is a topical medication that is used only on your skin problem.

Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine

It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing this medicine to you. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, you should tell your doctor about them.

• Any existing infection: If you have a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection of the skin.
• Diabetes: If you have diabetes.
• Large areas of skin burns or damage: If there are large areas of skin that are burned or injured.
• Thinning or sagging skin: If you feel like your skin is getting thinner than normal.
• Allergies: If you have previously had an allergy to Fluocinonide, another corticosteroid, sulfites, another medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
• Pregnancy or expecting a baby: If you are pregnant or are expecting to become pregnant soon.
• Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

To get the most out of this medicine, it is essential to know how to use it correctly.

• For external use only: This is not an oral medicine . It is only to be applied externally to the skin.
• Use gloves: It is best if you can wear gloves when applying the medicine.
• Apply as a thin film: Do not apply too much of the medicine. Apply a thin film to the affected skin area and gently massage until absorbed.
• Do not apply to healthy skin: Do not apply this medicine to unproblematic, healthy skin. Also, do not apply it to a large area of ​​skin at once.
• Be careful with your eyes: Do not let this medicine get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
• Do not use more than the recommended amount: Do not apply more than the amount prescribed by your doctor. Also, avoid using it continuously for more than 14 days in general.
• Do not share the medicine with others: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if your symptoms are the same as yours.

When used for young children and adults

• Young children: If you are using this medicine on a child, talk to your pediatrician. Do not put tight diapers or plastic pants over the medicine, especially if you are applying it to the diaper area. Doing so may increase the amount of medicine absorbed through the skin, increasing the risk of serious side effects.
• Elderly: As you age, your skin becomes thinner and more susceptible to damage. Therefore, elderly people are at higher risk of side effects. If this medicine is used on an elderly person, it should be used for a short period of time and infrequently.

What to do if you overdose?

If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Things to be careful about when using the medicine

• If your symptoms do not start to improve within a week, tell your doctor.
• If you come into contact with someone who has chickenpox or measles while taking this medicine, also inform your doctor.
• If you develop any skin sores or blisters that do not heal, tell your doctor about them as well.
• If you are using other skin care products, inform your doctor about them and use them only according to his instructions.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. Some of them can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.

How to keep medicine safe?

• Keep away from children: This is the most important thing. Always keep medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store at room temperature: Store between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Simply put, store at normal room temperature. Protect from excessive heat (above 30 degrees Celsius).
• Do not freeze: Do not store in the freezer.
• Throw away after expiration: If the medicine has passed its expiration date, do not use it and throw it away.

Fluocinonide, skin diseases, dermatology, cream, medicine, itching, side effects