SYNALAR OINTMENT (FLUOCINOLONE)

Synalar Ointment Description

Synalar Ointment is a medium-strength topical corticosteroid that is available with a prescription for treating and reducing inflammation of the skin that happens as a result of allergic reactions or conditions that include eczema, dermatitis, prurigo, psoriasis, lichen planus, and discoid lupus erythematosus. Although there is no cure for some skin conditions, you can still find relief from the symptoms when using Synalar Ointment.

How Fluocinolone Works to Calm Symptoms of Inflammation

When Synalar Ointment is applied as instructed, the active ingredient called Fluocinolone works by acting inside the skin cells to decrease the release of inflammatory substances. Topical corticosteroids are often recommended to inhibit the immune response that activates production of inflammatory chemicals, such as prostaglandins, that cause the inflammation as a way to heal. These chemical substances also cause blood vessels to widen and result in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful, such as is seen in dermatitis or eczema.

Conditions Treated by Synalar Ointment

Eczema, also known as dermatitis is a term for several different types of skin swelling. It is not dangerous, but most types cause red, swollen and itchy skin. Eczema can appear on many parts of the body, depending on your age. Eczema does not spread from person to person. Instead, it tends to run in families. Most people who get eczema have a history of eczema, hay fever, or asthma in their families.

The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. It is an allergic condition that makes your skin dry and itchy. You can prevent some flare-ups of eczema by avoiding known “triggers” such as: chemical irritants including cleaners, soaps, perfumes; physical irritants such as rough fabrics; allergies to common things such as dust, pollen, mold, or animal dander.

Before Synalar Ointment is Prescribed

Before using Synalar Ointment, advise your doctor of your medical history, especially of poor blood circulation, diabetes, and immune system problems. Topical steroid medicines absorbed through the skin may increase the glucose levels in your blood or urine.

Proper Use of Synalar Ointment

Synalar Ointment should not be used to treat bacterial infections such as impetigo; viral skin infections such as chicken pox, herpes, or shingles; diaper rash; wide-spread plaque psoriasis; fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, thrush or ringworm; acne; rosacea; or on children under one year of age.

You should not use Synalar Ointment in larger amounts or for longer than recommended as topical corticosteroids may cause steroid side effects throughout your body. Synalar Ointment should not be used in an area where there is a sore or an infection. Do not apply a dressing or bandage to the treated area unless otherwise instructed to by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects of Synalar Ointment

• Mild itching, burning, dryness or peeling of the skin
• Blisters, pimples or crusting of skin
• Thinning or softening of the skin
• Swollen hair follicles
• Stretch marks

The following more serious side effects should be reported to your doctor right away: blurred vision; headache; weight gain or puffiness; mood changes; easy bruising; severe irritation of the treated skin.