Fluocinonide cream is an extremely effective medication at clearing up your itchy, irritated, and inflamed skin, but with it can come some difficult side effects. If you are stricken with eczema or psoriasis, you probably will take anything to take away the itching and burning; however, it is important to do your research, and follow the doctor’s orders to the letter. Keeping to your prescription will ensure that the cream works properly, and that you aren’t going to deal with a reaction from the cream.
Fluocinonide: A Helpful Steroid
Steroids have traditionally been used as anti-inflammatory agents. They can be extremely helpful in the event of an allergic reaction, because they will cause the capillaries and blood vessels in the affected area to constrict, not allowing the rush of fluids to the site. Steroids will also be very affective at relieving itching and clearing up rashes. Steroids also have the capacity to produce a myriad of health dangers if it is not used properly. One of the most common problems that steroids can cause is the appearance of hives. When this happens, your skin is attempting to expel the medication by rushing antibodies to the epidermis. This is an allergic reaction, and if this occurs, you should seek medical attention and stop applying the cream.
Warnings About Blood Pressure
Also, another common side effect is an increase in heart rate. When the cream is applied, it does not only remain at the affected area; the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream. Because it is a steroid, it uses the body’s natural hormones to affect blood vessel dilation. Unfortunately, it can cause too much dilation in the entire cardiovascular system, giving way to very high blood pressure. Because the blood pressure is elevated, heart rate increases dramatically to keep up. Another extreme affect is that the user can experience blurred vision. Since there are fragile, tiny blood vessels in the eyes, the medication can also cause those to constrict. Blurred vision happens when these blood vessels aren’t receiving adequate amounts of blood, and can cause the eyes to stop working properly. These side effects are extremely serious, and might have a few long-term ramifications. Check into an ER if you find this happening, just to be safe.
Cautions while using Fluocinonide ointment
It is important to never apply this cream to anywhere other than on the skin. It should never enter the mouth or come into contact with the eyes. For this reason, always wash your hands after you are finished applying the medication. A tiny residue might be left on the fingers, and if you scratch your eye, or put something in your mouth, that residue can still get in. Also, this medication should not be given to infants or pregnant mothers, unless told to do so by a doctor. In certain cases, fluocinonide cream has caused growth problems and hormone imbalances in children. Steroids should always be used with caution, especially with infants. Most of the time, a doctor might prescribe a lighter steroid like triamcinalone, or hydrocortisone creams that are not as strong, but still do the job.
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