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Afloderm ointment is a corticosteroid drug that is used topically in inflammatory skin conditions. The active substance of Afloderm ointment is alclometasone, which shows moderate potency in the treatment of dermatological changes. What are the indications and contraindications for the use of Afloderm ointment? How to properly use Afloderm ointment?
Afloderm in ointment – composition and action
Afloderm ointment belongs to the group of glucocorticosteroids. These types of drugs have anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and immunosuppressive effects. Corticosteroids strongly affect the body’s carbohydrate, protein, lipid and water-electrolyte metabolism. Excessive use of corticosteroids in patients causes hypercortisolemia, a disease called Cushing’s syndrome. The active substance of Afloderm ointment is alclometasone, which is a synthetic, non-fluorinated glucocorticosteroid with moderate potency in dermatological cases. Alclometasone, in addition to the standard properties of corticosteroids, also exhibits vasoconstrictor properties, thanks to which the drug is less absorbed into the blood. The degree of penetration of the preparation into the body and blood is influenced by many factors, including: the condition and thickness of the epidermis, the use of an occlusive dressing or the presence of skin inflammation. The active ingredients of the ointment are metabolized in the liver and excreted from the body in the urine and partly in the bile.
Afloderm in ointment – indications and contraindications
The indication for the use of Afloderm ointment is the treatment of inflammatory and itchy skin diseases that respond to the action of glucocorticosteroids. Afloderm ointment is recommended for patients who struggle with atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and psoriasis. Unfortunately, not all patients with an indication for the use of Afloderm ointment can apply it to the skin. A contraindication to the use of Afloderm ointment is hypersensitivity to glucocorticosteroids and other ingredients of the preparation. In addition, Afloderm ointment must not be used in cases of skin tuberculosis, acne, dermatitis around the mouth, rosacea, and fungal or bacterial skin infections. Afloderm ointment is also not recommended for the treatment of skin lesions accompanying viral skin infections, i.e. during chicken pox, measles or rubella.
Afloderm in ointment – correct use and dosage
Afloderm ointment is applied externally and topically to the affected area. The frequency of application of Afloderm ointment is determined by the doctor. During the first days of treatment, a thin layer of the ointment is applied to the skin twice a day. In the following days, the frequency of using the ointment is gradually reduced until the symptoms have completely disappeared. If the use of Afloderm ointment does not improve the condition of the skin, you should immediately consult a doctor who will change the recommended dosage or suggest a different treatment course.
Afloderm in ointment – possible side effects
Afloderm ointment used may cause side effects. Common side effects of using Afloderm ointment are itching, burning and erythema at the application site. Uncommon symptoms include folliculitis, acne-like lesions, secondary infections, skin atrophy, stretch marks and suppression of sweat glands.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.