Elocon Cream & Ointment

What is Elocon Ointment/Cream?

Both the Elocon cream and ointment contain the same active ingredient, mometasone furoate 0.1%, which is classified as a “potent'' or high-strength topical corticosteroid that is effective in the treatment of itchy, red and inflamed skin caused by conditions such as psoriasis or dermatitis.

Elocon is manufactured by Organon Pharma and is suitable for short-term use, a maximum of 5 days, by children and adults over the age of 2 years. The Elocon ointment is a more greasy formula ideal for very dry, scaly patches of the skin, whereas the cream is much lighter, making it more comfortable for use in the daytime or on skin that is moist.

What is Elocon Cream & Ointment used for?

Both Elocon 0.1% ointment and cream are steroid treatments used to reduce inflammation, redness and itching caused by skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema.

Elocon is most commonly prescribed to people who suffer from these skin conditions severely and where non-prescription treatments such as emollients or milder steroid creams such as hydrocortisone have not been effective.

How does Elocon Cream/Ointment work?

The active ingredient in Elocon is a powerful or “potent” steroid called mometasone furoate. Metasone works similarly to other steroids that are applied to the skin to reduce inflammation, redness and itching. It helps to reverse the body's inflammatory reaction by restricting blood flow to the affected areas and preventing the release of certain chemicals.

How quickly Does Elocon work?

Once Elocon topical steroid cream or ointment is applied to the skin, irritation will be reduced immediately. It should be used once a day for a maximum of 5 consecutive days. If you do not see a significant improvement in the condition of your skin within 5 days, you should speak to a healthcare provider, skin specialist or pharmacist for medical advice about your treatment options.

Elocon vs Betnovate

Elocon Cream, Ointment and Scalp Lotion are all prescribed for similar conditions as Betnovate (beclomethasone) Cream, Ointment and Scalp Application, including eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. There is very little difference between the two. They both contain potent steroids that are effective at treating severe conditions. So it is usually down to personal preference on which treatment is most suitable.

Elocon vs Mometasone

Mometasone is the active ingredient found in Elocon. Now that Organon’s patent has expired, it is possible for any regulated drug company to produce this medication. There may be minor differences in the inactive ingredients, though these are not clinically significant.

The choice of the branded version or generic is down to personal preference, and typically, the generic version costs less. However, the generic version enables more choice when there are shortages in a patient’s preferred version of the treatment.

Elocon alternatives

Elocon is an effective treatment against the symptoms of eczema and other skin conditions, but there are a number of alternative eczema treatments available.

Elocon has the same potency as Betnovate, and as it only needs to be applied once daily, it offers an excellent alternative during periods of stock shortages.

Prescription-only eczema treatments are available via an online consultation. These include:

• Betamethasone Cream & Ointment
• Eumovate Cream & Ointment
• Fucibet Cream
• Fucidin Cream
• Hydrocortisone Cream & Ointment

Effective non-prescription eczema treatments include:

• Adex Gel
• Aveeno Cream
• Dermol Cream
• Doublebase Gel
• Eurax Cream

If your eczema is affecting the scalp, effective scalp treatments for eczema include:

• Betacap Solution
• Betnovate Scalp Application
• Elocon Scalp Lotion

While not specifically used to treat eczema or psoriasis, the following products can be used to alleviate the symptoms of these skin conditions:

• Moisturisers and emollients
• Cotton gloves (to keep from scratching)
• Antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine or Piriton (to ease the itching)

As Elocon Cream/Ointment are designed to heal inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, they can also be used for inflammation caused by insect bites.

How do I use Elocon Cream & Ointment?

Both Elocon Cream and Elocon Ointment are applied in much the same way.

Wash your hands, and apply Elocon thinly and carefully to the affected area(s). This should be done once daily.

If you have been using airtight dressings on inflamed skin, clean the affected area before using the cream and apply a new dressing. Remember to wash your hands after each application of Elocon (unless you need to treat eczema flare-ups on your hands).
When using Elocon, please note the following:

It is advised not to use Elocon for more than 10 days (talk to your GP or pharmacist if you do not notice improved symptoms after 7 days of regular treatment)

Elocon should not be used on the face or any broken or infected skin

If you are using other topical drugs or medicines alongside Elocon (such as topical steroid treatments), you are advised to wait at least 30 minutes between applications — this will prevent any medicine from becoming diluted.

Elocon ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Elocon is mometasone 0.1% (as furoate).

Elocon Cream also contains the following inactive ingredients: Hexylene glycol, Phosphoric acid, Hydrogenated soybean lecithin, Titanium dioxide, Aluminium starch octenylsuccinate, White wax, White soft paraffin, Purified water

Elocon Ointment also contains the following inactive ingredients: Hexylene glycol, Phosphoric acid, Propylene glycol stearate, White beeswax, White soft , paraffin, Purified water.

Elocon side effects

Not everyone will experience unwanted side effects when using Elocon, but some users may experience them.

The most common side effect of Elocon is an itching or burning sensation in the area of application. Less common Elocon side effects can include your skin becoming thinner — usually after prolonged use — and subtle changes to skin pigmentation.
All other reported adverse effects are considered to be very rare (less than 1 in 10,000 people will experience them). You can read the full list of side effects in the Patient Information Leaflet for Elocon Ointment and Cream.

If you are concerned about any side effects while using Elocon, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor, skin specialist or pharmacist.

Elocon warnings

Elocon Cream and Ointment should be applied thinly and evenly to the skin as directed. It should not be applied to broken skin or areas where a skin infection is present, nor should it be used on the face unless instructed by your pharmacist.

This medicine is unsuitable for you if you are allergic to any of Elocon's ingredients.
Using Elocon Cream or Ointment can cause the following conditions to worsen:

• Acne
• Perioral dermatitis (a rash around the mouth)
• Viral infections (e.g. cold sores, herpes, chicken pox)
• Bacterial infections
• Fungal infections (e.g. thrush, athlete’s foot)
• Rosacea (flushing of the skin around the nose).

Do not use this medicine for inflamed skin around the genitals or anus unless specifically advised to do so.

Consult your GP before using Elocon Cream or Ointment if you:

• Have a history of allergic reactions to steroid medicines
• Are applying Elocon under an airtight dressing
• Have a large area of affected skin
• Are using Elocon on the face, especially near the eyes
• Are applying Elocon to broken skin or skin folds
• Are using Elocon on a chronic leg ulcer
• Are pregnant or may become pregnant

Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet for Elocon Cream and Ointment before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Elocon and Other Medications

Speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking Betnovate if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, especially if you are taking ritonavir and/or itraconazole medications.

Sources

• Organon Pharma (2023). Patient Information Leaflet: Elocon Cream - https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/78/pil
• Organon Pharma (2023). Patient Information Leaflet: Elocon Ointment - https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/79/smpc
• NICE (2023). Eczema - Atopic - Management - https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/eczema-atopic/management/
• BNF/NICE (2017). Corticosteroids, general use - https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/eczema-atopic/management/