Fluocinolone is a type of medicine called a topical corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are medicines used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation of the skin happens as a result of allergy or irritation of the skin, and is caused by the release of various substances that are important in the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen and result in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful, such as is seen in dermatitis or eczema.

When fluocinolone is applied to the skin it works by acting inside the cells to decrease the release of these inflammatory substances. This reduces swelling, redness and itch.

There is a range of potencies of corticosteroids available for application to the skin. This medicine contains fluocinolone 0.025% and is classed as a potent corticosteroid. It is prescribed to treat various inflammatory skin disorders, such as eczema and dermatitis, that have not responded to milder steroids.

Clioquinol has antifungal and antibacterial actions. It works by preventing the growth and multiplication of the organisms.

The combination of fluocinolone and clioquinol is used to treat inflammatory skin disorders that are either infected or likely to become infected.

This cream is more suitable for moist, weeping areas of skin, while the thicker, more greasy ointment is more suitable for dry, scaly areas of skin.

This cream is indicated in inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis that are infected or likely to become infected.

This medicine is for external use on the skin only. The cream or ointment should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected area(s). Avoid getting the medicine in the eyes, or in contact with the inside of the mouth or nose. Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine, unless the hands are the area being treated. If your doctor has advised you to use dressings with this medicine, the skin should be cleansed before applying the cream/ointment under a fresh dressing.

This cream should not be used in

• Children under one year of age.
• Allergy to iodine.
• Primary bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo.
• Primary fungal skin infections such as thrush, ringworm, athlete's foot.
• Viral skin infections, such as chickenpox, shingles, cold sores or herpes simplex.
• Acne.
• Chronic inflammatory disorder of the facial skin (acne rosacea).
• Inflammatory rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis).
• Itching around the back passage and genitals.
• Nappy rash.
• Widespread plaque psoriasis.

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. The following side effects are known to be associated with this medicine.

• Skin irritation at site of application, such as burning, itching and redness.
• Allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis).
• Thinning of the skin.
• Changes in skin pigmentation.
• Stretch marks (striae).
• Groupings of fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin (telangiectasia).

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information.

This medicine should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings or for prolonged periods of time. If it is applied to the breasts it should be washed off carefully before breastfeeding and then reapplied afterwards.