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Elocon cream, ointment and lotion

Elocon is a once daily potent (extra strong) steroid application for treating moderate to severe eczema, on the body, arms, legs, and scalp. Elocon contains the active ingredient mometasone furoate 0.1%. Elocon is available from Dr Fox as a cream, ointment, or scalp lotion.

About eczema

In eczema the skin is damaged by inflammation and loss of natural skin oils which causes drying out of the skin. Dry damaged skin is not an effective barrier at keeping toxins and irritants out of the body, which leads to further inflammation and a cycle of drying, inflammation, and damage, and more drying. The dry, inflamed, and damaged skin patches are eczema. It can be triggered by many irritants as well as a genetic susceptibility (atopy) and is sometimes called dermatitis.

Treating eczema on the body, arms, and legs

The best initial treatment for eczema on the body, arms, and legs is frequent use of moisturising emollients (ointments, creams, and lotions), and this will often settle the inflammation. Moisturising emollients restore softening oils to the skin, and rehydrate it, enabling skin to heal. In most cases though, there will be a time when this is not enough to completely control sore inflamed skin.

Adding a steroid cream or ointment will break the inflammation part of the cycle so helping the skin to recover and you to regain control.

Ointments have a stronger protective barrier effect, so Elocon ointment is more effective than Elocon cream. The ointment can feel greasier and look shiny on the skin and so may be better used at night.

How to use Elocon on the body, arms, and legs

When using Elocon, it is important to continue the routine of regular moisturising emollient use. Apply your usual emollient and wait at least 15 minutes before applying Elocon.

Apply a thin amount of Elocon once daily, being guided by the fingertip units for the area affected. Wash hands after use.

As the skin improves you should move to a less potent steroid e.g. Eumovate.

Once the eczema has settled, continue frequent moisturising emollient use, which will reduce the number of flare-ups and overall need for steroid treatments.

It is generally better to use a short course of a stronger steroid skin preparation than a long course of a weaker potency steroid.

How to use Elocon scalp lotion

Moderate to severe itching scalp eczema can be treated with once daily Elocon scalp lotion. The lotion should be applied to the clean and dry scalp, and massaged into the affected skin. It is usually easiest to part the hair in stages and massage the lotion into the skin down the parting. This is easier with an assistant. Wash hands after use.

The following video relates to similar products being used for psoriasis, but shows the lotion application technique clearly (from 49 seconds):

Video from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.

Cautions and side effects

Do not use steroid products on your skin for more than 4 weeks at a time, and do not use more steroid cream, ointment, or lotion than recommended as this increases the risk of side effects.

If your eczema is not improving with Elocon treatment, or is getting worse, consult your GP or a skin specialist.

Elocon cream and ointment both contain paraffin which is flammable. This may be absorbed by clothing and bedding. Wash clothes and bedding regularly to reduce fire risk. Keep away from naked flames. Elocon scalp lotion does not contain paraffin, however the manufacturers also advise care with naked flames.

Elocon cream, ointment, and scalp lotion also contain other ingredients which could rarely cause a skin reaction. If eczema worsens when using Elocon, stop using it and consult your GP or skin specialist.

All steroids, including Elocon on the skin, could cause skin thinning and stretch marks. This is more often a problem if taking steroids as tablets or injections for conditions other than eczema. Elocon should be used for the shortest time necessary to control the eczema. As Elocon is a potent steroid, it should only rarely be used on the face which has thin, delicate skin. Use of Elocon on the face should be supervised by a skin specialist (dermatologist).

Steroid tablet use has been linked with development of cataracts and other problems in the eyes. This is extremely unlikely with Elocon but if you develop any blurring of vision consult your GP.

Covering the skin after applying treatment, with bandages or gloves is not recommended as in theory it can lead to steroid absorption into the body and more general side effects, including in extreme cases Cushing's syndrome.

Further information on side effects can be found in the manufacturer's patient leaflets.

When NOT to use Elocon

Do not use Elocon cream, ointment, or scalp application if:

• Eczema is on the face, unless advised by a skin specialist.
• You have not had a medical diagnosis of eczema.
• There are signs of infected skin: pus, weeping, swollen, tender, throbbing, spreading redness.
• You have active cold sores, herpes, shingles, or chickenpox.
• On broken skin or near active leg ulcers.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Experts advise avoiding all medication when pregnant or breastfeeding. However, it may be safe to use small amounts of Elocon cream, ointment, or lotion on skin during pregnancy, or when breastfeeding (but not on the breasts).

You should discuss the risks and benefits with your GP before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dr Fox does not prescribe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

See also Best use of medicines in pregnancy - Corticosteroids.