Itchy, painful, red and swollen skin is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. It always seems the more one scratches, the worst it gets and the more it itches. One medication, Elocon cream, is being used to treat skin inflammation as well as the pain and discomfort it causes. The active ingredient in Elocon cream is mometasone furoate, a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid.
The generic form of Elocon cream is called Mometasone furoate. The medicine in Elocon ointment allows less inflammatory substances to be released in the skin.
Elocon cream is most commonly prescribed to treat serious inflammation. One of these examples, eczema, is skin condition of recurring red, itchy rashes. Sometimes, the rashes become so severely itchy, bleeding can occur. The skin often becomes flaky or cracked. Psoriasis is characterized by raised patches of red skin or lesions. These skin patches are covered by scale, a silvery white build-up of dead skin. It can be very painful and itchy. Luckily, this disease is not contagious. Unfortunately it is a chronic disease.
Because these are similar diseases, the Elocon cream affects them in the same way.
Treating the inflammation with Elocon and keeping the areas moisturized helps the swelling and itchiness. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, Elocon cream comes in an oil-based, moisturizing lotion. This helps the skin to be less dry, and as a result, less itchy. This cream should always be applied in a thin layer on outside areas of the skin. The lotion should not be applied on or near the eyes, nose, mouth or genitals. Also, women that are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to not use Elocon cream.
If the Elocon lotion is used on large areas of the body for a long time or without exposure to air, more of the corticosteroid is absorbed through the skin. This can cause skin thinning or a decrease in hormone production. Other possible side effects to Elocon cream include acne, allergic inflammation, excessive hair growth, feeling of pins and needles, stretch marks, hair follicle inflammation or a burning or stinging sensation. The ointment can even change skin pigmentation.
If you have skin inflammation problems and other treatments have not worked, then Elocon cream may be an option. As always, be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning any new medication or treatment. Elocon cream is helping relieve painful itchy, swollen skin for many people, but needs to be applied carefully to avoid any dangerous, adverse effects.
Jackie Hogan, MS, RD is a registered dietitian based in Los Angeles. She is a member of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND-LAD) and the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Practice Group and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Jackie has been featured on Women’s Health, Fitness Magazine, Women’s Fitness, and Men’s Fitness magazine.
