Synalar

Synalar contains fluocinolone acetonide, a potent topical corticosteroid used to treat severe inflammatory skin conditions that have not responded to milder preparations.

It is prescribed for conditions such as severe eczema, psoriasis, discoid lupus erythematosus, and other steroid-responsive dermatoses.

Fluocinolone acetonide exerts its anti-inflammatory effect by binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, suppressing the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting phospholipase A2, and reducing the migration of leucocytes to the inflamed site.

This results in a marked reduction in redness, swelling, itching, and scaling.

Synalar is classified as a potent (Group III) topical corticosteroid.

Potent corticosteroids are reserved for skin conditions that are resistant to mild or moderate preparations, and they carry a greater risk of local and systemic side effects with prolonged use.

Their application should be supervised by a prescriber experienced in dermatological care.

Synalar is available as a cream, ointment, and gel. The cream is suited to moist or weeping areas, the ointment to dry and lichenified skin, and the gel to hairy areas such as the scalp.

Apply a thin layer of Synalar to the affected area once or twice daily, as directed by your prescriber. Gently rub the preparation into the skin.

Wash your hands after application unless the hands are the treated area.

Use the minimum amount necessary and for the shortest duration that achieves symptom control. When the condition improves, step down to a milder corticosteroid or emollient as maintenance treatment.

Do not apply to the face, axillae, or groin for more than five to seven days unless specifically instructed.

Do not use Synalar under airtight occlusive dressings unless directed by your dermatologist, as this increases absorption and the risk of side effects.

Apply thinly once or twice daily. For adults, treatment on the body should not generally exceed two to four weeks without dermatological review.

On the face and flexures, treatment should not exceed five to seven days.

Children should use potent topical corticosteroids under specialist supervision only, for the shortest possible duration, and at the lowest effective amount.

The fingertip unit method can help gauge appropriate quantities.

Skin thinning (atrophy) is the most significant local side effect and may develop after as little as two to three weeks of continuous use on sensitive areas.

Striae, telangiectasia, and purpura (bruising) may follow prolonged application.

Perioral dermatitis, steroid rosacea, and acneiform eruptions can occur if potent corticosteroids are applied to the face for extended periods.

Hypopigmentation may develop, particularly in darker skin tones.

Contact dermatitis to the corticosteroid or an excipient is uncommon but reported. Hypertrichosis (increased hair growth) at the site of application occurs rarely.

Systemic absorption from extensive or prolonged topical use can lead to adrenal suppression, Cushing syndrome features, hyperglycaemia, and growth retardation in children.

These effects are rare with short-term, localised treatment.

Synalar is a potent corticosteroid and should be used with particular care on the face, eyelids, genitals, and skin folds, where absorption is highest and the skin is thinnest.

Limit treatment duration on these areas.

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

Stop treatment and seek advice if an infection develops.

Withdraw treatment gradually where possible to avoid rebound flares. Inform your prescriber if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Synalar must not be applied to untreated bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections, including herpes simplex, chickenpox, and dermatophyte infections.

It is contraindicated in acne vulgaris, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and pruritus without inflammation.

Known hypersensitivity to fluocinolone acetonide or any excipient in the formulation is a contraindication. Do not use in children under one year of age.