Fluocinonide cream alternatives

Commonly prescribed for its anti-inflammatory and anti-itch qualities, fluocinonide is categorised as a topical corticosteroid cream and marketed under the brand name Lidex. Skin conditions that produce an excess of itching, red, dry skin could indicate the use of fluocinonide cream. However, fluocinonide is contraindicated in people who have an allergy or sensitivity to it. Other options are available to control dryness and itchiness associated with certain skin conditions.

Marketed under the brand name Cyclocort, this topical corticosteroid cream works in a similar manner to fluocinonide cream. Amcinonide is available in both cream and ointment. Patients with an allergy to fluocinonide cream should discuss their allergy with their health-care provider before using amcinonide.

Betamethasone dipropionate, a derivative of prednisolone, is marketed under the brand names Diprosone, Synalar-DP and Diprolene. Betamethasone dipropionate is a corticosteroid that provides relief from intense itching and dryness and is an alternative to Lidex. Betamethasone dipropionate comes in the form of a cream, lotion and ointment.

Desoximetasone, marketed under the brand name Topicort, is categorised in the same family as the other alternatives to fluocinonide, and it works in a similar manner. It is sold as a gel or a cream.

Hydrocortisone cream, sold as an over-the-counter remedy for itching and irritation, is a mild corticosteroid cream used for topical application. Long considered the gold standard in treating itchy skin conditions, it is a relatively safe and inexpensive alternative to fluocinonide cream that doesn't require a prescription.