Elocon (mometasone furoate) is a potent corticosteroid cream, usually used when less potent steroids fail to manage external skin irritation such as pain, itching and inflammation. These symptoms are most commonly found in rashes, and Elocon is most commonly used to treat rashes, though there are exceptions.

Elocon is very similar to the product Elocom, both of which rely on the same active ingredient in the same strength. Inactive ingredients may vary.

This product is suitable for all ages, provided it is used as directed by a doctor.

When to Use Elocon

In topical form, the majority of Elocon use is to help manage skin conditions with an inflammatory element, including:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Allergic rashes
• Other rashes

It is typically applied once per day directly to the affected area, where it alleviates inflammation, itchiness, pain, and other symptoms.

Elocon should not be used when:

• Viral, fungal, or bacterial infections are present on the skin
• Open wounds or ulcers are present on the skin
• Rashes cover a large part of the body
• Rashes are present on mucous membranes, including the groin

Because Elocon is a steroid, it will suppress immune system response which can be quite detrimental when other infections are present. Applying the cream to open wounds, over large parts of the body, or onto mucous membranes allow too much of the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream, putting the patient at increased risk of serious side effects.

Elocon should be used with extreme caution, and preferably with advice from a doctor, when a rash is:

• On the face
• Under armpits or skin folds
• Will be covered, such as with diapers

Covering the cream or applying to to skin folds also increases risk of too much medication being absorbed, though it's not as risky as the previous category. Steroid use on the face should always be done with caution, regardless of the condition being treated or the brand of medication being used. The extra-sensitive skin of the face is susceptible to all sorts of side effects unlikely to be encountered elsewhere, many of which can be both unsightly and uncomfortable.

How to Use Elocon

Elocon is easy to use, and administration is the same in the vast majority of cases regardless of the cause of the rash:

• Wash and dry the affected area.
• Apply a thin layer of cream to affected area once daily.
• Gently rub in and allow to dry.
• Wash hands and any unaffected skin which came into contact with the cream.
• Do not use for more than 3 consecutive weeks on children without explicit doctor permission.
• Do not use on the face for more than 5 consecutive days.

Improvements might be noticeable in days, or it might take a week or two. If no improvements are noticed after two weeks of daily use, alternative products should be considered.

In most cases significant improvements are seen within two weeks of starting use; in many case the rash is completely cleared up by then. Those who see significant improvements but the condition still lingers at the two-week mark may continue to use Elocon for an additional week or two. Consult a doctor before using it for longer.

Elocon can always be re-used in the future if the rash returns.