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What Is Fluticasone Propionate Cream Used For?
Fluticasone propionate cream may help relieve inflammation and itching caused by various skin problems, such as eczema, dermatitis, and poison ivy. This medicine is a type of steroid and works by suppressing an overactive immune system and reducing inflammation. A healthcare provider may sometimes prescribe fluticasone propionate cream for off-label uses, such as treating penile or labial adhesions; however, these are not approved uses.
Fluticasone propionate cream (Cutivate Cream®) is a prescription skin medication used to treat inflammation and itching due to a wide variety of conditions in people age three months of age and older. Some of these conditions include but are not limited to:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Poison ivy
- Seborrhea.
Specifically, this medicine is approved to treat any skin condition that responds to corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate cream. For individuals who do not prefer cream medications, Cutivate is also available in the form of a lotion or an ointment (see Cutivate Lotion or Cutivate Ointment).
Fluticasone propionate cream is part of a group of medications known as glucocorticoids, which are a type of corticosteroid (or "steroid" for short). Although glucocorticoids have numerous effects in the body, they are used mostly for their anti-inflammatory or immune-suppressing properties. Fluticasone propionate cream works by decreasing inflammation and suppressing an overactive immune system.
This medicine is approved for use in children as young as three months old. It is not approved to treat a diaper rash and should never be applied to the diaper area, as doing so can increase the risk for side effects. Children are at an increased risk for serious side effects of steroids. Fluticasone propionate cream has been studied only for short-term use (four weeks or less) in children. It is unknown if longer use is safe or effective.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD