Can you use fluticasone cream on your face?

What does fluticasone cream do?

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid, a medicine that reduces skin inflammation and itching. It treats conditions such as eczema, which causes dry, itchy skin. Creams are less greasy than ointments, a distinction the bathroom shelf does not bother making.12

US fluticasone propionate cream 0.05% is classified as medium potency; UK guidance lists Cutivate 0.05% as strong. Neither classification makes it a cream to choose for your face without medical direction. Mild or moderate steroids are generally used on the face, although doctors sometimes prescribe stronger ones for short periods.23

The same name appears on nasal sprays and skin creams, which is a lot of responsibility for a name that does not mention either. Fluticasone nasal spray treats symptoms inside the nose; the cream is the skin preparation.4

How should you apply it if prescribed for your face?

1. 1Confirm the exact area to treat, application frequency and treatment length with your prescriber. Fluticasone is usually applied once or twice daily, but follow your own prescription.
2. 2Wash your hands before applying the cream.
3. 3Apply a small amount to the affected skin as a thin film and rub it in gently. Do not spread it over unaffected areas or use it for a different condition.
4. 4Keep the cream out of your eyes and mouth. Do not cover the treated area with a dressing unless your doctor directs you to.
5. 5Wash your hands after applying it.

If you also use a moisturizer, general topical steroid guidance advises applying it 30 minutes before the steroid where practical. Applying both together can dilute the steroid. Do not increase the amount or frequency to compensate for a missed application; never apply a double dose.25

How long should you use it?

Inflammatory skin symptoms should improve during the first two weeks. Contact your doctor if they do not. That improvement window is not an instruction to treat your face for two weeks: the length of facial treatment depends on the condition, steroid strength and application site. If you have used a topical steroid for a prolonged period, ask how to stop it, since suddenly stopping can cause the underlying condition to flare.12

If the prescription is for vitiligo, a condition involving white skin patches, the review schedule is different. Fluticasone is one possible treatment, with an initial check after one month. Facial vitiligo needs discussion with a GP and can warrant specialist treatment.6

What should make you stop or call your doctor?

Skin thinning is more likely when strong steroids are used on the face, for long periods or under dressings. Strong facial steroids can also cause an acne like rash. Stop fluticasone cream if irritation develops and contact your prescriber. Call your doctor immediately for a severe rash, hives, or redness and swelling suggesting infection where you applied it.257

Discuss any skin infection before starting: topical steroids can make infections worse. The US 0.05% creams described here contain imidurea, which releases formaldehyde, and must not be used by people allergic to formaldehyde or another component. Do not apply the cream to skin that is already thinned.237

Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, and discuss other medicines you use. Children require particular caution because they are more susceptible to effects from steroid absorption. US 0.05% cream is permitted with caution from three months of age, but facial use still requires specific medical direction.357