Allergies Common Treatments Topical Fluocinonide for Dermatological Conditions By Daniel More, MD Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist with a background in internal medicine. Learn about our editorial process Daniel More, MD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Corinne Savides Happel, MD on February 22, 2021 linkedin Corinne Savides Happel, MD, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with a focus on allergic skin disorders, asthma, and other immune disorders. Learn about our Medical Review Board Corinne Savides Happel, MD on February 22, 2021 Print If you've got a skin condition that causes severe itching, your doctor may prescribe fluocinonide (brand names include Lidex and Vanos). Fluocinonide is a strong corticosteroid that reduces skin swelling, itching, and redness. It treats various allergic skin conditions, as well as atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis (including rashes caused by poison oak and ivy), xerotic dermatitis (dry skin), psoriasis, and other causes of itching. BURGER / Getty Images How It Works Corticosteroids work by reducing the inflammation that would often lead to swelling and itching in skin disease. This reaction is common among some acute and chronic skin conditions, although they may manifest differently beyond the shared symptom of itching. How It's Used Fluocinonide is available as an ointment, cream, solution, and gel, and comes in different dosages. In general, fluocinonide is applied to the affected skin areas two to three times a day for up to two weeks at a time. The exact dose, application, and instructions, however, will be different for different patients. Some doctors recommend bandaging the area where the medication was applied (to increase absorption), while others may recommend against this. It is important to follow your doctor's directions for using fluocinonide carefully. You should never use it more frequently or for a longer time than prescribed, since it can cause side effects. Precautions As with all medications, it's important to inform your doctor about any health conditions or allergies you have, as well as any other medications or supplements you are using (topically or otherwise). In addition, take the following precautions when using fluocinonide: Clean and dry the affected area before applying fluocinonide. Wash your hands before and after use. (If applying to your hands, however, don’t wash your hands after applying the medication.) Apply only a thin film of the medication. Fluocinonide is very strong and a small amount is effective. Apply fluocinonide to your skin only. Avoid getting it in your mouth, nose, and eyes. Don’t apply fluocinonide to your face, underarms, or groin area unless you are told to do so by your doctor. Do not use cosmetics or other skincare products on the treated areas without your doctor's approval. Side Effects Initially, fluocinonide can cause burning, additional itching, irritation, or dryness, but these symptoms usually subside in a few days. Less common side effects—which indicate that a call to your doctor is in order—include: Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin Red, inflamed, or sore skin Easy bruising or thinning of the skin Headache Fever Chills Muscle aches Fatigue or weakness Sore throat Stuffy or runny nose Unusual tiredness or weakness Acne Increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs Lightening of normal skin color Reddish-purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin In rare cases, using fluocinonide for a long time or over large areas of the body can lead to serious conditions involving hormones and the adrenal glands, including the following. Adrenal insufficiency: This condition can occur when the adrenal glands don't produce enough of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Symptoms can include dizziness, weakness, loss of appetite, or stomach upset. This condition can sometimes occur after fluocinonide treatment has stopped. Cushing syndrome: If fluocinonide is absorbed into your bloodstream, it can cause Cushing syndrome, a condition where your body makes too much cortisol. Symptoms include a moon-shaped face and a lump of fat between the shoulders, as well as high blood sugar and high blood pressure. Contraindications Your doctor can advise you whether it is safe for you to use fluocinonide, but, in general, you should not use it if: You have rosacea, perioral dermatitis, or a fungal or bacterial infection You are pregnant. There haven’t been enough studies in humans to be certain if the drug might affect a fetus. You are breastfeeding. It isn’t known if fluocinonide passes into breast milk or if it causes side effects in a nursing baby. In addition, it is not known whether fluocinonide is safe to use in children younger than 12. Children may absorb higher amounts of fluocinonide than adults, possibly affecting growth and development. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other concerns about using fluocinonide, your doctor will be able to help you weigh the risks and benefits of using this drug. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Elmariah SB, Lerner EA. Topical therapies for pruritus. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2011;30(2):118–126. doi:10.1016/j.sder.2011.04.008 Ronald I. Shorr, Angela B. Hoth, Nathan Rawls. Fluocinonide. Drugs for the Geriatric Patient. 2007:483-547. doi:10.1016/b978-141600208-6.50010-3 Goldstein A, Goldstein B. Topical corticosteroids: Use and adverse effects. UpToDate. Published October 24, 2019. Broersen LHA, Pereira AM, Jørgensen JOL, Dekkers OM. Adrenal Insufficiency in Corticosteroids Use: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2015;100(6):2171-2180. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-1218 Decani S, Federighi V, Baruzzi E, Sardella A, Lodi G. Iatrogenic Cushings syndrome and topical steroid therapy: case series and review of the literature. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2013;25(6):495-500. doi:10.3109/09546634.2012.755252 Additional Reading Boguniewicz M, Leung DYM. Atopic Dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;117(2):S475-80.