Elocon

Elocon contains mometasone furoate, a potent topical corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis that have not responded to milder steroids.

It reduces redness, itching, swelling, and discomfort by suppressing the local inflammatory and immune response in the skin.

Mometasone furoate is classified as a potent (Group III) corticosteroid in European terminology.

It has a high affinity for glucocorticoid receptors and exerts strong anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive effects.

Despite its potency, it has relatively low systemic bioavailability when applied to intact skin.

Formulations

Elocon is available as a cream, ointment, and scalp lotion.

The cream is suitable for moist or weeping lesions, the ointment for dry and thickened plaques, and the scalp lotion for inflammatory scalp conditions.

The choice depends on the nature of the affected area and the clinical presentation.

Treatment courses should be kept as short as possible, and the preparation should not be used on the face or in skin folds without specific medical advice.

Application

Apply a thin layer to the affected area once daily. Gently rub in until absorbed. Wash your hands after application unless you are treating the hands.

Fingertip Units

Use fingertip units (FTU) to measure the right amount.

One FTU is a strip of cream or ointment from the tip to the first crease of the index finger, enough to cover an area about twice the size of an adult palm.

Duration

Do not use Elocon for longer than directed by your prescriber — typically no more than two to three weeks on body skin and one week on the face (only if specifically advised).

Emollients can be applied between steroid applications to keep the skin moisturised.

Adults and Adolescents

• Apply a thin layer to the affected area once daily
• Course duration: as short as possible; reassess if not improved within 2 weeks

Children (2 years and over)

• Once daily application; keep courses short
• Not recommended for children under 2 years

Scalp Lotion

• Apply a few drops to the affected scalp area once daily; massage in gently

Special Sites

• Avoid use on the face, eyelids, axillae, and groin unless specifically directed
• Do not use under occlusive dressings unless advised by a specialist

Common (up to 1 in 10 patients)

• Burning or stinging sensation at the application site
• Skin atrophy (thinning) with prolonged use

Uncommon (up to 1 in 100 patients)

• Tingling or itching
• Folliculitis (infection of hair follicles)
• Stretch marks (striae)
• Telangiectasia (visible small blood vessels)

Rare (up to 1 in 1,000 patients)

• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Hypertrichosis (increased hair growth at the application site)
• Perioral dermatitis
• Skin depigmentation

Very Rare (fewer than 1 in 10,000 patients)

• Adrenal suppression (with extensive or prolonged use, especially under occlusion)
• Cushing's syndrome features in extreme cases

Skin thinning is the most clinically significant risk and is largely avoidable with short courses and appropriate site selection.

Facial Use

Elocon is a potent steroid and should not be used on the face unless specifically prescribed. Facial skin is thinner and more susceptible to atrophy, telangiectasia, and perioral dermatitis.

Skin Folds

Axillae, groin, and under the breasts are occlusive sites where absorption is naturally higher. Limit use in these areas.

Infection

Do not use Elocon on infected skin unless an appropriate antimicrobial agent is being used concurrently. Steroids can mask the signs of infection and allow it to spread.

Children

Children are more susceptible to systemic effects from topical corticosteroids because of their higher body-surface-area-to-weight ratio. Use the minimum effective amount for the shortest duration.

Withdrawal

Stopping a potent steroid abruptly after prolonged use can cause rebound flares. Taper gradually or switch to a milder steroid.

Do not use Elocon if you have:

• A known hypersensitivity to mometasone furoate or any excipient
• Rosacea or perioral dermatitis
• Acne vulgaris
• Untreated bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections (including impetigo, herpes simplex, chickenpox)
• Skin ulcers, burns, or wounds
• Age under 2 years
• Pruritus without inflammation (itching from a non-inflammatory cause will not respond to a corticosteroid)