Elocon Ointment

• Elocon Ointment is prescribed to treat skin inflammation including some types of psoriasis and eczema
• It contains the potent steroid mometasone furoate
• The ointment should be used sparingly
• Elocon Ointment may be prescribed when other, less potent, steroid ointments or creams have not treated the skin inflammation completely
• Using too much of the ointment can increase you risk of side effects
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Elocon Ointment contains the steroid mometasone furoate. This is a type of corticosteroid that is often used in addition to emollient creams to treat the inflamed, red, sore, or itchy symptoms of eczema or psoriasis. It is often prescribed when other, less potent, treatments have not cleared the symptoms completely. An ointment is often chosen over a cream to treat and rehydrate very dry skin.

Psoriasis and eczema are two causes of skin inflammation. Skin inflammation occurs when an allergic reaction or skin irritation causes the release of substances in the skin. These substances widen the blood vessels and make the area of skin look swollen and red, and feel itchy and sore. The mometasone in Elocon Ointment prevents the release of the substances that start the inflammatory process. 

As the inflammatory process is slowed, the swelling, redness and itchiness subsides. This means you are less likely to scratch the area, allowing healing to occur more quickly. It does not cure the condition, but does help to keep symptoms under control.

Elocon Ointment is best used on dry areas of skin, as its oily ingredients help to trap fluid within the skin layers. If you have moist, weeping areas of skin, you may be prescribed Elocon Cream instead. Elocon Scalp Lotion is also available for inflammation affecting the scalp.

Elocon Ointment should be applied to the skin in a very thin layer. Gently rub it into the affected area until it disappears. Once an improvement is seen, which could be within just a few days, you may be advised to stop using the ointment. Repeat treatment may be required if areas of inflammation appear in future.

Steroid ointments are often measured in ‘fingertip units’. A fingertip unit is the amount of ointment or cream you can squeeze onto the end (tip) of one finger. One fingertip unit of ointment is enough to cover an area that’s twice the size of your palm, so for a small area of inflammation you need to apply very little ointment. 

Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying the ointment.

Elocon Ointment should not be used on infected areas of skin. You may need an antibiotic cream to treat these areas.

Elocon Ointment contains 0.1% mometasone furoate. Most people apply Elocon Ointment once daily. 

If using Elocon Ointment on the face or in children, the treatment course should be limited to no more than 5 days. 

Like all medications, Elocon Ointment can have some side effects. The most common side effects include skin dryness, irritation, or a burning sensation. Many people will not experience side effects when following the instructions correctly.

With prolonged use, there is an increased risk of thinning of the skin, reduced skin pigmentation and stretch marks. If any of these side effects occurs, you should speak to a doctor.

Very occasionally, using large quantities of Elocon Ointment can cause mometasone to enter your bloodstream. If you experience symptoms such as increased fat on your chest or tummy, a rounded, puffy face, easy bruising, weakness, or changes in your mood, you should speak to a doctor straight away.

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Elocon Ointment may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you have:

• Acne 
• Facial rosacea
• Dermatitis around your mouth, lips, or eyes
• A skin infection including impetigo, chicken pox, herpes, or fungal infections
• Thinning of the skin
• Open or ulcerated skin wounds
• Chicken pox
• Tuberculosis
• Genital itching
• Syphilis
• A skin rash or reaction that has occurred following a vaccine being administered.

If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, you should let your prescriber know as prolonged treatment with Elocon Ointment should be avoided.

You must not smoke or go near to naked flames when using Elocon Ointment as the ointment is flammable and exposure to a flame could result in severe burns. Wash your bedding and clothing thoroughly, as the ointment can build up by contact with fabrics, making it a fire hazard.

Because Elocon Ointment may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Elocon Ointment will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, Elocon Ointment will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription. Elocon Ointment will then be conveniently dispatched from one of our partner pharmacies.