Have you suddenly developed eczema, a skin condition that causes your skin to become red, itchy, and flaky? Or are you worried about another skin condition? At times like these, a doctor may prescribe a cream or ointment called Fluticasone. Many people have questions about using this medication. So today, we'll talk about it very simply, as if we were telling a friend.
What kind of medicine is Fluticasone?
Simply put, Fluticasone is a medication that reduces swelling, redness, itching, and rashes on your skin caused by skin conditions like eczema. This works by reducing inflammation, or inflammation, in the skin.
These belong to a class of drugs called topical steroids . Don't worry, these aren't the kind of steroids you use to build muscle. 'Topical' means 'applied to the skin.' That means this is a steroid that is designed to be applied directly to the skin.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes Fluticasone cream for you, it is very important to give him a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell him about the following:
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If there are large areas of burned or injured skin | Damaged skin can allow more medication to be absorbed into the body. |
| If there is any infection on the skin | Steroids can make some infections worse. |
| If you are using other steroids (pills/injections) such as Prednisone, Dexamethasone | To prevent unnecessary increases in steroid levels in the body. |
| If you are using other steroid creams, lotions, or inhalers | This also applies to the same reason as above. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to fluticasone, other steroids, other medicines, foods, or dyes. | To prevent the occurrence of serious allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | The doctor should be aware of the possible effects on the unborn child or nursing infant. |
How exactly do you use this cream?
To get the most out of the medicine, you need to know how to use it correctly.
1. For skin use only: This is for skin use only. Do not take by mouth for any reason. Do not use in the eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse thoroughly with clean water.
2. Hand washing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine to your hands, wash your hands only before applying it.
3. Apply as a thin film: Do not apply too much medicine. Apply a very thin film only to the affected skin area and rub it in gently until it is absorbed into the skin. Do not apply this to healthy skin.
4. Do not bandage: Unless specifically instructed by your doctor, do not bandage, apply a plaster, or cover the area tightly with a cloth. Doing so may cause the skin to absorb too much of the medicine.
5. At the right time, at the right time: Try to take it at the same time every day, as your doctor tells you. Don't use it for longer than he or she tells you to or more than the prescribed number of times. Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
Be especially aware of use in children
This can be recommended for babies as young as 3 months in some special cases. But you should definitely talk to your doctor about it and follow his instructions exactly. Since the skin of young children is very sensitive, you need to be more careful than adults.
Important: If you think you have overdosed on this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What do you do if you forget to take your medicine?
If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at the scheduled time. Never take more than one dose at a time.
Things to be careful about when using this medicine
- Other skin cosmetics: Do not apply any other creams or lotions to the area where the medication is applied without asking your doctor.
- Be careful with condoms and diaphragms: This cream may damage latex products (e.g. condoms, diaphragms) if they come into contact with them, reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, avoid contact with these products. If contact occurs by mistake, remove the product.
- Diaper Rash: Do not apply this cream to your baby 's diaper rash unless your doctor specifically tells you to. If you do, avoid wearing tight diapers or plastic pants.
- Be careful in the sun: Your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight while using this medication. Therefore, avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you must go out, wear clothing that covers your skin and use sunscreen.
- Other illnesses: If you have been around someone who has an illness like measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters on your skin that don't heal, tell your doctor immediately.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects, but not everyone gets them.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Severe skin changes | Severe burning, itching, and peeling where the medicine was applied. |
| Thinning of the skin | The skin becomes thinner and bruises easily. |
| Skin infections | Skin redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or small pus-filled blisters around the hair follicles. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor skin problems | Mild dryness, redness, or slight itching where the medicine was applied. |
| Unwanted hair growth | Unexpected hair growth where the medication was applied. |
Take-Home Message
- Fluticasone is a topical steroid that reduces inflammation, itching, and redness of the skin.
- The medicine should be applied only to the affected skin area, but as a very thin film.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, any other illnesses you have, and whether you are pregnant.
- Do not cover or bandage the area where the medicine was applied without consulting your doctor. Be very careful when using it on babies.
- If you experience serious side effects such as facial swelling or severe skin irritation, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else.
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