How does fluticasone work?
Fluticasone is a steroid (also called a corticosteroid). Steroids help to reduce inflammation in the skin (and other parts of your body).
Skin gets inflamed when an allergic reaction or irritation causes chemicals to be released in the skin. These make your blood vessels widen and your irritated skin becomes swollen, itchy and painful and may look red.
Fluticasone cream or ointment works inside your skin's cells to stop these chemicals being released. This reduces any swelling, redness and itching.
How long does it take to work?
Your skin should start to get better after using fluticasone for a few days.
You may need to use it for up to 4 weeks. Sometimes your doctor will tell you to keep using it for longer.
How long can I use fluticasone for?
It depends on why you're using it.
For contact dermatitis you'll probably only need to use fluticasone for up to 1 week.
For long-term skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis, you may need to use the medicine for longer under the supervision of a doctor.
To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor may recommend that you only use fluticasone for a few weeks at a time. Tell your doctor if your skin gets worse or does not improve within 2 to 4 weeks.
Do not use fluticasone for more than 4 weeks without talking to your doctor. If you need treatment for a long time, they may decide you need to use a milder cream or ointment.
Talk to your doctor before stopping treatment if you've been using fluticasone for a long time. They may tell you to gradually use less of it, and use it less often, before you stop completely. This reduces the chance of your symptoms coming back.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Using fluticasone for a long time without stopping can mean some of the medicine gets into your bloodstream. If this happens, there's a very small chance it can cause serious side effects, such as adrenal gland problems, high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia), thinning of your skin, or problems with your eyesight.
If you've been using fluticasone for a long time, your doctor may tell you to gradually reduce the amount you use before stopping completely.
Why should I not use fluticasone on my face?
Do not use fluticasone on your face unless a doctor has told you to.
The skin on your face is delicate, so if fluticasone cream thins the skin or damages it, it's particularly noticeable.
If your doctor tells you that you can use fluticasone on your face, follow their instructions carefully.
Do not put the cream or ointment near your eyes or on your eyelids.
Can fluticasone make eczema worse?
Steroids like fluticasone reduce inflammation in your skin to help manage your symptoms. They do not cure eczema.
If you feel your symptoms are getting worse after using fluticasone for 1 week, it's important to tell a doctor.
When you stop using fluticasone, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can flare up again.
You can avoid this by gradually reducing the amount you put on, and how often you use it. Do this over 1 to 2 weeks before stopping it completely.
Can I still have vaccinations?
Using fluticasone does not stop you or your child having vaccinations.
But tell the doctor or nurse that you're using fluticasone so they can give the vaccine in an untreated area of skin.
Will it affect my contraception?
Fluticasone does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Fluticasone does not make you sleepy so it's safe to drive or ride a bike when using this medicine.
Can I drink alcohol while using it?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while using fluticasone.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
No. This medicine is not affected by what you eat or drink.