This drug contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, which is a type of drug called a corticosteroid.
Corticosteroids are drugs used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation of the skin happens due to the 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, resulting in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful.
When fluticasone is applied to the skin it works by acting inside the skin cells to decrease the release of these inflammatory substances. This reduces swelling, redness and itch. Fluticasone is a potent corticosteroid that is applied to the skin to treat a wide variety of inflammatory skin diseases, such as eczema.
The active ingredient is formulated in a moisturising base that provides a layer of oil on the surface of the skin, helping to prevent water from evaporating from the skin surface. This helps reduce the dryness, scaling and itching of skin conditions such as eczema.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- thickened skin rash caused by excessive scratching to relieve itching;
- skin disorder causing a flat itchy violet rash usually on the wrists shins lower back and genitals;
- reactions to insect bites and stings;
- psoriasis;
- prickly heat;
- intense and widespread reddening of the skin in combination with oral or injected corticosteroids;
- inflammatory skin disorders;
- inflammatory skin disease known as discoid lupus erythematosus;
- inflammatory skin condition with greasy red and scaly areas;
- inflammation or irritation of the skin caused by a reaction to irritants;
- eczema;
- area of thickened itchy skin caused by rubbing and scratching;
- an eruption of hard nodules in the skin accompanied by intense itching;
Cutivate cream and ointment are prescribed for relief of inflamed, itchy rashes and other inflammatory skin conditions.
When you use Cutivate, you inevitably absorb some of the medication through your skin and into the bloodstream. Too much absorption can lead to unwanted side effects elsewhere in the body. To keep this problem to a minimum, avoid using large amounts of Cutivate over large areas, and do not cover it with airtight dressings such as plastic wrap or adhesive bandages unless specifically told to do so by your doctor.
Cutivate is for use only on the skin. Be careful to keep it out of your eyes.
- stinging;
- skin irritation;
- rash;
- itchy spots;
- infected or worsening eczema;
- dryness;
- thinning of the skin;
- stretch marks;
- skin irritation;
- groupings of fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin;
- excessive hair growth;
- changes in skin pigmentation;
- burning;
ADULTS
Apply a thin film of Cutivate cream or ointment to the affected skin areas 1 or 2 times a day. Rub in gently. Contact your doctor if there is no improvement within 2 weeks.
Cutivate should not be used with tight, occlusive dressings or bandages.
CHILDREN
Cutivate cream may be used with caution to treat children over 3 months of age. Apply a thin film of Cutivate cream to the affected skin areas 1 or 2 times a day. Rub in gently. The safety of Cutivate cream to treat children for longer than 4 weeks has not been established.
Cutivate ointment is not recommended for use in children.
Cutivate should not be used with tight, occlusive dressings or bandages.
The safety and effectiveness of Cutivate cream have not been established for treatments lasting more than 4 weeks in children or for infants below age 3 months.
Cutivate ointment is not recommended for use in children.
