Fluticasone propionate is a type of topical corticosteroid. A corticosteroid is a type of steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland. Corticosteroids are involved in a variety of body processes, including the stress response, immune system function, and inflammation.
What is Fluticasone propionate used for?
Fluticasone propionate is a synthetic corticosteroid that is used to treat various skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It works by reducing inflammation and itching. Fluticasone propionate is also available as a cream, ointment, and solution.
Fluticasone propionate brand names
Fluticasone propionate is the generic name of the topical steroid. The brand names of this drug are the following:
United States:
- Cutivate, Beser
Which body parts should be avoided when using Fluticasone propionate?
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. Do not apply the ointment to your nipple or areola, if you are breastfeeding. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away with water.
How long does Fluticasone propionate stay in your system?
The amount of time that Fluticasone propionate stays in your system is dependent on the duration of use of the medicine. Some research suggests that suppression of cortisol levels is still apparent 96 hours after topical use of corticosteroid creams, which implies that Fluticasone propionate can stay in your system for long periods of time, possibly for up to a few weeks. Fluticasone propionate is not recommended for long term use. More research is required about the half-life of Fluticasone propionate and how long it stays in your system.
According to the NHS, for people who use Fluticasone propionate for extended periods of time (more than 12 months in adults), a withdrawal reaction may occur which can include:
- redness or changes in skin color (hyperpigmentation)
- burning, stinging, itching or peeling of the skin, or oozing, open sores
What are the side effects of Fluticasone propionate?
According to Mayo Clinic, the use of fluticasone propionate may have side effects. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
- Burning, itching, redness, or stinging of the skin
- hives or welts, skin rash
- raised, dark red, wart-like spots on the skin, especially when used on the face
Rare
- Burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, pus at the root of the hair
Why does my skin burn when I apply Fluticasone propionate to my skin?
If your skin burns after applying Fluticasone propionate to your skin, you may have an allergic reaction to the steroid cream and your skin cannot tolerate it. Fluticasone propionate also contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause acute allergic reactions.
How do I taper down from using Fluticasone propionate?
To taper down from using Fluticasone propionate many doctors advise adjusting to using a weaker steroid cream over an extended period of time. This is commonly known as climbing down the topical steroid ladder.
Which steroid creams are weaker than Fluticasone propionate?
Fluticasone propionate is a high-potent topical steroid. Weaker steroid creams down the Topical Steroid Potency Strength Chart are as follows:
- Triamcinolone acetonide 0.5%
- Betamethasone valerate
- Fluocinolone acetonide
- Flurandrenolide
- Hydrocortisone valerate
- Triamcinolone acetonide
- Betamethasone valerate 0.1%
- Clocortolone pivalate
- Hydrocortisone butyrate
- Hydrocortisone probutate
- Hydrocortisone valerate 0.2%
- Prednicarbate
- Alclometasone dipropionate
- Desonide 0.05%
- Hydrocortisone 0.5% – 2.5%
- Hydrocortisone
Which steroid creams are stronger than Fluticasone propionate?
Stronger topical steroids than fluticasone propionate are as follows:
- Augmented betamethasone dipropionate
- Clobetasol propionate
- Desoximetasone
- Augmented diflorasone diacetate
- Diflorasone diacetate
- Fluocinonide
- Flurandrenolide 4 mcg/cm2
- Halobetasol propionate
- Amcinonide
- Betamethasone dipropionate
- Desoximetasone
- Halcinonide
- Mometasone furoate
What happens when you use Fluticasone propionate too often?
If you use Fluticasone propionate too frequently or for an extended period of time, tolerance or tachyphylaxis to that potency level of steroid cream may develop. Fluticasone propionate is not recommended for extended use which may result in some of the common side effects listed above. Consult with your doctor if you have concerns.
Does Fluticasone propionate cause topical steroid withdrawal?
More research is required to understand the complexity of Topical Steroid Withdrawal and its specific connection to Fluticasone propionate. Fluticasone propionate is a highly potent corticosteroid commonly used for skin conditions and the side effects of discontinuing the use of this topical steroid medicine is yet to be studied.
Throughout online groups and communities, there are serious concerns, accounts, discussions and images about corticosteroid creams (not just Fluticasone propionate) causing Topical Steroid Withdrawal. The accounts and experiences of the Topical Steroid Withdrawal community continues to grow and has gathered media wide attention for the aesthetic physical severity of many suffering.
Topical Steroid Withdrawal is an iatrogenic health phenomena that requires more research and studies. The International Topical Steroid Awareness Network (ITSAN) is currently building a patient registry to begin preliminary studies.
Is there treatment for Topical Steroid Withdrawal?
Currently, there is no global protocol or medical treatment for topical steroid withdrawal. However, medical advice favours the gradual reduction of topical steroids, rather than stopping usage abruptly.
At TSW Assist, we are identifying crowd sourced insights that can help manage the inflammation and symptoms during the withdrawal period from topical steroids. Currently, there is no quick cure for Topical Steroid Withdrawal.
Through the community, we are finding insights of the management of the symptoms of TSW, through the tracking of the efficacy of specific products, methods and therapies.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is not medical advice. There is no known medical cure for topical steroid withdrawal, but there are collective methods to manage the symptom and inflammation during the withdrawal period. It should not be mistaken that all usage of steroid creams will cause topical steroid withdrawal. More clinical research is required to understand the cause of Topical Steroid Withdrawal within an individual.
