Elocon Cream

• Elocon Cream contains the potent steroid mometasone furoate
• It treats skin inflammation including some types of psoriasis and eczema
• Elocon Cream should be used sparingly
• Elocon Cream may be prescribed when other, less potent, steroid creams have not treated the skin inflammation completely
• Using too much of the cream 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 Cream 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.

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 Cream 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 Cream can be used on moist, weeping areas of skin. It is best to avoid cuts and breaks in the skin. For dry skin, Elocon Ointment may be a better choice as its oily ingredients help to trap fluid within the skin layers. Elocon Scalp Lotion is also available for inflammation affecting the scalp.

Elocon Cream 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 cream. Repeat treatment may be required if areas of inflammation appear in future.

Steroid creams are often measured in ‘fingertip units’. A fingertip unit is the amount of cream you can squeeze onto the end (tip) of one finger. One fingertip unit of cream 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 cream. 

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

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

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

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

Like all medications, Elocon Cream 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 Cream 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 Cream may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you have:

• Facial rosacea
• Acne 
• Thinning of the skin
• Dermatitis around your mouth, lips, or eyes
• A skin infection including impetigo, chicken pox, herpes, or fungal infections
• Open or ulcerated skin wounds
• Genital itching
• Chicken pox
• Tuberculosis
• 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 Cream should be avoided.

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

Because Elocon Cream 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 Cream will not interact with them. 

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