Elocon

Elocon 0.1% cream is a topical steroid that helps reduce swelling and inflammation on the skin. It's mainly used for treating psoriasis and dermatitis, but it can also be prescribed for other skin conditions like lichen planus. Lichen planus is a skin condition marked by itchy, purple bumps that often appear on the wrists, ankles, and lower back.

Lichen planus is a condition that occurs without a known cause, affecting about 0.2-1% of adults globally. The bumps it causes will eventually disappear on their own, but this can take 1-2 years. Although there's no cure, treatment can help speed up the healing process.

Lichen planus leads to the appearance of purple bumps on your skin due to the release of inflammatory cytokines. Elocon contains the corticosteroid mometasone furoate, although the exact way corticosteroids reduce inflammation isn't completely understood.

Corticosteroids, such as mometasone, work by entering the nucleus of your cells and attaching to certain areas on the genes that manage inflammation. This action releases chemicals that fight inflammation and stops the creation of molecules that cause inflammation. As a result, it helps reduce the inflammation and swelling linked to lichen planus, and can also help decrease the redness and itchiness of the bumps.

As with any medication, Elocon may cause side effects in some individuals. These can include:

If you use topical corticosteroids like Elocon for an extended period, stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms like burning and itching. To prevent this, it's best to gradually reduce your use of Elocon.

The first choice for treating lichen planus usually involves topical steroids, and there are several options available. Some common ones are Betnovate (betamethasone valerate), Dermovate (clobetasol propionate), and Elocon (mometasone furoate). The strength of the steroid your doctor prescribes will depend on where the condition is and how severe it is. For delicate or thin skin areas, a milder steroid is often used. If the affected area is thicker or more extensive, a stronger steroid like Elocon might be recommended.

Antihistamines can also help relieve the symptoms of lichen planus.

They won't make the bumps go away, but they can help lessen the itchiness that accompanies them.

Elocon contains mometasone furoate as its active ingredient, which is a type of steroid called a corticosteroid. This is different from the anabolic steroids often used to build muscle, which are simply known as 'steroids'.

Compared to other topical corticosteroids, 0.1% mometasone furoate cream is stronger and has more powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Research indicates that patients with eczema who used Elocon once daily saw better improvement than those using a milder steroid, such as 1% hydrocortisone, twice daily.