Fluocinolone topical is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis (a skin condition in which red, scaly patches develop on some areas of the body) and eczema (a condition in which the skin is dry, itchy, and occasionally develops red, scaly rashes), for the itchiness, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and discomfort these symptoms cause. The drug fluocinolone belongs to the corticosteroid drug class. It reduces swelling, redness, and itching by causing natural chemicals in the skin to become active.

For application to the skin or scalp, fluocinolone topical comes in ointments, creams, solutions, shampoos, and oils in a range of strengths. It is typical to apply fluocinolone ointment, cream, solution, and oil two to four times per day. Typically, fluocinolone shampoo is used once day. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you do not understand, and carefully follow their instructions. Fluocinolone topical should only be used as prescribed. Never use more or less of it, or apply it more frequently than advised by your doctor. Unless your doctor instructs you to do so, avoid using it on other parts of your body, wrapping it around your body, or treating other skin disorders.

The initial two weeks of your treatment should see an improvement in your skin’s state. If your symptoms do not get better during this period, call your doctor.

Apply a tiny amount of the ointment, cream, solution, or oil to cover the affected region of skin with a thin, even film and gently rub it in to use fluocinolone topical.

Apply a tiny amount of the medication to the scalp, shake the shampoo container thoroughly, and then form a lather with your fingertips. Five minutes after applying the shampoo to your skin, thoroughly rinse it from your hair and body with water. Unless your doctor instructs you to do so, avoid covering your head while the shampoo is on your scalp with a shower cap, bathing cap, or towel.

Part your hair, apply a tiny amount of the ointment, cream, or solution to the affected region, and then gently rub it in.

Wet your hair and scalp, then apply a tiny amount of the oil to the scalp and gently rub it in to treat psoriasis. After putting on the provided shower cap for at least 4 hours or overnight, wash your hair as usual, making sure to fully rinse it out.

Only the skin or scalp may be treated with this medicine. Do not swallow fluocinolone and avoid getting the topical medication in your mouth or eyes. Unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor, avoid using it on the face, in genital and rectal areas, as well as in skin folds and armpits.

Only bandage or wrap the treated area if your doctor instructs you to. Such use could exacerbate negative effects.

Avoid using plastic or tight-fitting diapers while applying fluocinolone topical to a child’s diaper area. Such use could exacerbate negative effects.

Without first consulting your doctor, avoid using cosmetics or other skin preparations or products on the treated region.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before using fluocinolone,

• If you have any allergies, especially to peanuts, other drugs, or any of the chemicals in topical fluocinolone products, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are currently taking or intend to take. Include the following information: more topical treatments and additional corticosteroid medications.
• Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome, or any other skin issues. Cushing’s syndrome is an abnormal disease brought on by an excess of the hormone corticosteroids.
• Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Call your doctor right away if you find out you’re pregnant while using fluocinolone topical.

As soon as you realize you missed a dose, administer it. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. Applying a second dose to make up for a missed one is not advised.

Side effects are possible with fluocinolone topical. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, consult your doctor:

• Skin that is scorching, itchy, irritated, red, or dry
• Acne
• Alteration in skin tone
• Skin that is glossy or bruised
• A rash or small red pimples around the mouth
• Little skin lumps that are white or red

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Severely itchy skin
• Hives
• Breathing or swallowing challenges
• Wheezing
• The area where you administered fluocinolone has redness, edema, or other symptoms of skin infection

Children who use topical fluocinolone may be more likely to experience negative side effects, such as reduced growth and delayed weight gain. The dangers of applying this medication to your child’s skin should be discussed with your child’s doctor.

Other negative effects from fluocinolone topical usage are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or by phone at 1-800-332-1088 if you have a serious side event.

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it at room temperature and out of the bathroom and other places with excessive heat and moisture. Avoid freezing it.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning.http://www.upandaway.org

Dial 1-800-222-1222 to reach your local poison control center if someone ingests fluocinolone topical. Dial 911 to reach the nearest emergency services if the sufferer has collapsed or has stopped breathing.

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.