Elocon is a prescription‑strength topical corticosteroid (mometasone furoate) used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and allergic dermatitis. It belongs to the class of medium‑potency steroids, delivering anti‑inflammatory action for up to 12‑hour wear and is approved in the UK, US and EU.
Elocon’s active ingredient, mometasone furoate, penetrates the epidermis efficiently, reducing redness, itching and swelling within 24‑48hours. Its 0.1% concentration provides a sweet spot: strong enough to calm moderate flare‑ups, yet gentle enough to minimise atrophy when applied for up to two weeks.
Clinical data from the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) indicate that 78% of patients see measurable improvement after a week of once‑daily use, compared with 55% for lower‑potency hydrocortisone. Importantly, its formulation includes an emollient base that restores barrier function, a key factor for long‑term eczema control.
Understanding the condition helps you match potency to need.
When prescribing isn’t possible or side‑effects are a concern, clinicians turn to other agents. Below are the most frequently mentioned alternatives, each introduced with its core attributes.
Clobetasol propionate is a super‑potent (class I) corticosteroid used for severe plaque psoriasis, lichen planus and localized keratosis. Typical concentration 0.05% and application limited to two weeks to avoid adrenal suppression.
Betamethasone dipropionate sits in the high‑potency (class II) range, ideal for moderate‑to‑severe eczema and psoriasis. Available as 0.05% cream or ointment, it balances efficacy with a lower risk of skin atrophy compared with clobetasol.
Hydrocortisone is a low‑potency (class VII) steroid, often 1% or 2.5% over‑the‑counter. Best for mild flare‑ups, facial areas, intertriginous zones, and for children under six.
Pimecrolimus is a non‑steroidal calcineurin inhibitor (class “TCI”) that modulates immune response without causing skin thinning. Formulated as a 1% cream, it’s approved for atopic dermatitis on the face and neck.
Triamcinolone acetonide is a mid‑potency (class III) steroid, often 0.025% or 0.1% cream. It’s useful for larger body‑surface involvement where clobetasol would be too aggressive.
Every topical agent carries some risk. Here’s a quick glance:
| Attribute | Elocon (Mometasone) | Clobetasol propionate | Betamethasone dipropionate | Hydrocortisone | Pimecrolimus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potency (UK class) | Medium (IV) | Super (I) | High (II) | Low (VII) | Non‑steroid (TCI) |
| Typical concentration | 0.1% | 0.05% | 0.05% | 1% or 2.5% | 1% |
| Primary indications | Eczema, mild‑moderate psoriasis | Severe psoriasis, lichen planus | Moderate‑severe eczema, psoriasis | Mild dermatitis, facial areas | Atopic dermatitis (face/neck) |
| Duration of effect | 12‑24h | 24‑48h | 12‑24h | 6‑12h | 12‑24h |
| Common side‑effects | Mild burning, rare atrophy | Skin thinning, adrenal suppression | Atrophy, telangiectasia | Minimal, possible irritation | Burning sensation, transient redness |
| Prescription status (UK) | Prescription‑only | Prescription‑only | Prescription‑only | OTC (up to 2.5%) | Prescription‑only |
Think of potency like a “volume knob”. Turn it up only as high as needed to quiet the itch. Here’s a simple decision tree:
For most adults with moderate eczema, Elocon hits the sweet spot. If you have a facial flare‑up, swap to hydrocortisone or pimecrolimus. When plaques are stubborn, a short course of clobetasol under dermatology supervision may be justified.
Understanding Elocon fits into a broader knowledge cluster:
After reading, you might explore "How to build a daily eczema skin‑care routine" or "When to consider biologic therapy for severe psoriasis" for deeper dives.
Generally, Elocon is not the first choice for facial skin because even medium‑potency steroids can cause thinning after repeated use. For mild facial eczema, a low‑potency hydrocortisone or a non‑steroidal calcineurin inhibitor like pimecrolimus is safer. If a dermatologist prescribes Elocon for a short 5‑day course, follow their instructions precisely and moisturise well.
Most guidelines advise a maximum of 2weeks of continuous use for a medium‑potency steroid like mometasone. After that, take a break for at least a week to let the skin recover. If you need longer treatment, alternate with a low‑potency steroid or a steroid‑sparing agent under medical supervision.
Betamethasone dipropionate is classified as high‑potency (classII) whereas mometasone furoate sits in the medium‑potency (classIV) range. In practice, betamethasone provides a stronger anti‑inflammatory push, which can be useful for tougher plaques, but it also carries a higher risk of skin thinning.
Yes, but only under a doctor’s guidance. For kids under 12, clinicians often start with low‑potency hydrocortisone or a mild steroid like desonide. If a medium‑potency steroid is needed, the dose is limited to small areas and the treatment period is short.
Pimecrolimus doesn’t cause skin atrophy, making it ideal for chronic use on the face, neck, and skin folds. It works by dampening the immune response rather than delivering a steroid flare‑control, so long‑term safety is better, though it can feel a bit stinging when first applied.
Yes. Mometasone furoate 0.1% is classified as prescription‑only medication in the UK. You’ll need a GP or dermatologist to issue it. Over‑the‑counter options only go up to 2.5% hydrocortisone.
3 Comments
Josie McManus September 24, 2025
I feel ya, but stik to the plan and don’t over‑apply.
Heather Kennedy October 4, 2025
When you map a steroid to the UK class system you instantly see where mometasone sits – class IV, a solid medium‑potency option. The pharmacokinetic profile gives you 12‑24‑hour coverage, which is why once‑daily dosing is standard. For intertriginous zones you’ll want to keep the area under 10 % BSA to avoid cumulative absorption. If you’re treating facial eczema, a low‑potency hydrocortisone or a TCI is usually recommended before stepping up. In chronic cases, rotating between a medium‑potency steroid and a steroid‑sparing agent can preserve barrier function. Remember that patient adherence drops sharply when the regimen feels complicated, so keep instructions crisp. The table in the post nicely summarises the trade‑offs between potency, duration, and side‑effects.
Janice Rodrigiez October 15, 2025
Mometasone rides the middle of the steroid spectrum like a seasoned diplomat. It whispers anti‑inflammatory promises to irritated cells without shouting at the skin’s architecture. The molecule slips through the stratum corneum with a grace that low‑potency agents can only envy. Patients often notice the itch quiet down within a day or two. Because the formulation carries an emollient base, the barrier repair is a bonus. Clinical trials from the BAD showed a 78 percent response rate after one week. That beats the roughly fifty‑five percent seen with plain hydrocortisone. Side‑effects like atrophy remain rare when you respect the two‑week ceiling. If you stretch the usage beyond that, the skin may start to thin like over‑washed denim. For facial eruptions, the rule of thumb is to stay below medium potency. A short five‑day burst of mometasone on the cheek can be safe if you moisturize afterward. Alternatives such as pimecrolimus avoid steroid‑related thinning altogether. However they can sting initially, a small price for long‑term safety. When you compare cost, Elocon sits somewhere in the middle of the prescription price ladder. Overall, it offers a sweet spot of efficacy and tolerability for many moderate flares.