One of the most popular creams sought by individuals suffering from various skin irritations is the fluocinonide cream (FC). In this particular article, we will deal with the said product and delve into it in a more detailed manner. In order to be guided with your reading, throughout the discussion, you will be guided by the following outline of topics:

1. What is Fluocinonide?
2. Various Forms and Presentation
3. How to Use Fluocinonide Cream
4. Indications for Use
5. How the Body Processes Fluocinonide
6. Fluocinonide Cream and Its Effect on Children
7. Fluocinonide Cream and Its Effect on Pregnant Women & Nursing Mothers
8. Proper storage of Fluocinonide Cream
9. Special Precautions
10. Possible Side Effects of Fluocinonide Cream

What is Fluocinonide?

Fluocinonide (floo oh sin’ oh nide) is a type of adrenocortical steroid (also known as corticosteroids or adrenocorticosteroids) that is applied topically. By “topical”, we mean that a particular substance is applied to various surfaces of the body like the skin, neck, throat, etc. This means that you will not be required to inject the substance into your body, but simply apply it on selected areas as indicated and prescribed by your doctor.

Fluocinonide is commonly prescribed for various skin problems and irritations such as eczema, allergies, psoriasis, itching, and a whole lot of other troubles with your skin. However, since this is a type of steroid, there are several precautions when one intends to use it. In particular, children and pregnant women are the ones who should seriously consider these precautions. (Fluocinonide Cream and Its Effect on Children & Fluocinonide Cream and Its Effect on Pregnant Women & Nursing Mothers will be discussed later in the following chapters.)

So basically, fluocinonide is a type of adrenocortical steroid prescribed to cure inflammation and other skin problems.

Various Forms and Presentation

Fluocinonide is presented in various forms. It may be in the form of a fluocinonide cream, fluocinonide gel, or fluocinonide ointment. The various presentations of fluocinonide also vary in terms of the weight or amount packed in a tube:

The type of presentation you are ought to use for your skin problem depends on the condition, location, and type of skin irritation/problem you are faced with. It would be best for you to consult a doctor or a dermatologist before deciding on what form of fluocinonide presentation you should use.

How to Use FC

For the proper usage and application of fluocinonide cream, it is best to check a doctor or a dermatologist and of course, check the label for the appropriate instructions.

Generally, you are to apply the cream on the affected area as a thin film for about two to four times a day, depending on the severity of the irritation and the prescription of your doctor. Gently rub the cream unto the area until it is evenly distributed. Wash your hands after the application save for when your hands are part of the affected area.

If you missed one dose of the cream, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is already time for the next dose, just reject the missed dose and head on to the regular schedule of application. Remember not to use two doses straight away.

Indications for Use

Fluocinonide is generally used for skin irritations and other inflammatory responses of the body. However, there also are a few “side” uses of the cream (e.g. for hair growth). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supported the use of fluocinonide for the treatment of dryness, redness, swelling, scaling, and itching, associated with:

• Psoriasis
• Rashes
• Allergic reactions
• Eczema

Fluocinonide is also commonly used to treat the inflammation as well as the itching of the skin brought about by:

• Dermatitis
• Insect bites
• Oak-triggered irritation
• Poison ivy exposure

Other uses of fluocinonide include the treatment of oral lichen planus, canker sores, and other oral conditions considered as erosive.

How the Body Processes Fluocinonide

Adrenocortical steroids just like fluocinonide work by stopping the intense inflammatory responses of the body. Once the substance is absorbed by the skin and into the body, they are handled by pharmacokinetic pathways. This type of steroid is bound and attached to plasma proteins in different degrees. Adrenocortical steroids are metabolized by the liver. After the metabolization process, they are excreted by the kidneys, and eventually, taking effect and decreasing or stopping inflammatory responses of the body.

FC and Its Effect on Children

As stated earlier, one of the groups of individuals that should take precaution when taking fluocinonide cream are children.

Doctors take extra care when prescribing fluocinonide cream for children. The reason for this is that they may face serious health complications if ever the use and application of the cream is unmonitored and done inappropriately.

• HPA axis suppression
• Cushing’s syndrome (a condition wherein children become obese and physical growth becomes retarded)
• Intracranial hypertension (which may manifest as headaches or bulging fontanelles)
• Delayed weight gain

However, it must be noted that these unlikely conditions may be prevented if you follow the instructions of a doctor or a dermatologist. Children using FC should be regularly monitored and checked to ensure a normal development.

FC and Its Effect on Pregnant Women & Nursing Mothers

Experiments have been conducted on pregnant animals wherein corticosteroids were applied to certain parts of their body. Even at low levels, corticosteroids were proven highly teratogenic (dangerous to the fetus), how much more if the dosage will be increased. However, no experiments have been done yet on pregnant human females, but we can already assume that a pregnant mother should consider fluocinonide cream as the last resort, and of course, with the consent of a doctor.

As for nursing mothers, there still is no evidence which proposes that corticosteroids are absorbed in detectable amounts in a mother’s breast milk. However still, nursing mothers should take precautions when using fluocinonide cream.

Proper storage of FC

Proper storage of fluocinonide cream is also important. The cream should be stored at room temperature (approximately between 20 and 25 degrees C). Keep in a place that is not easily accessible by children and pets, and of course, away from heat or moisture.

Special Precautions

The use of fluocinonide cream should be under special supervision. Inappropriate and overuse of the product can lead to detrimental physical and bodily reactions. The following are special precautions that should be observed when using fluocinonide cream:

• Avoid the FC coming into contact with the eyes.
• The area applied with FC should not be covered with an occlusive dressing (one that closes the wound to prevent air and bacteria from contacting the affected area). It has been proven that covering the area applied with FC actually increases the absorption rate of the skin, consequently taking in more of the fluocinonide. However, there are instances wherein occlusive dressings are advisable, especially for severe cases of skin ailments like psoriasis. Such covers will enhance the absorption of the cream, thus, increasing the chances of getting healed from the severe skin ailment. However, for normal cases of allergy and simple skin
• Infants whose diaper area and buttocks are applied with the cream should avoid using tight diapers or plastic pants for these may serve as occlusive dressings.
• Other conditions wherein the absorption of the cream may be increased is through the application on larger areas, use of occlusive dressings, applying stronger steroids, and prolonged use. Take note and beware of such instances in order to avoid the side effects of using FC.
• Never use the cream for a longer period than what was advised by your doctor.
• Many medical conditions have the potential to interact with fluocinonide. Inform your doctor before using FC if you belong to any of the following medical conditions:
• Vaccinated recently
• If you have measles, chicken pox, tuberculosis.
• If you have skin infections, lessened blood flow in the skin, cuts, scrapes, etc.
• If you are allergic to medicines and other substances.
• If you are taking dietary supplements and herbal medicine.
• If you are pregnant or breast feeding

Remember that fluocinonide contains steroid. It is for this reason that extra precautions should be taken when using FC, especially for those who are experiencing various medical conditions.

Possible Side Effects of FC

Throughout this article, it is but evident that side effects of using fluocinonide cream are possible once the cream is used inappropriately. Some of the most common damages of inappropriately using FC are the following:

• Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) Axis suppression
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Glucosuria
• Hyperglycemia
• Atrophy of the skin
• Linear growth retardation for children
• Low plasma cortisol levels
• Headaches
• Delayed weight gain
• Dryness
• Stuffy nose
• Rashes around the mouth
• Changes in skin color
• Burning sensation
• Muscle weakness
• Extreme hair growth
• Irritated nasal passages

These are some of the most common side effects of using FC. However, it should be noted that all of these may be eliminated by properly following instructions from your dermatologist or doctor.

Fluocinonide Cream

From what was presented above, one may not help but doubt the consequences and side effects of using the cream. However, it should be noted that all of these negative effects can be prevented by simply following instructions and seeking the advice of medical professionals like doctors and dermatologists.

Fluocinonide cream may have its setbacks, but if used properly and with caution, it poses no serious harm at all. And of course, before deciding on what cream to apply on your skin irritation or problem, ALWAYS consult a doctor!