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Elocon is a prescription-only topical corticosteroid cream and ointment containing mometasone furoate 0.1%, used to treat a range of inflammatory skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It belongs to the potent class of topical steroids — stronger than over-the-counter hydrocortisone but less potent than very strong steroids such as clobetasol propionate — making it well positioned for moderate-to-severe flares on the body that have not responded adequately to milder treatments. Elocon is applied once daily, which distinguishes it from many other topical steroids that require twice-daily application, and its once-daily dosing makes it one of the more convenient prescription options for patients managing chronic inflammatory skin conditions. Like all prescription topical steroids, it should be used for defined short courses under clinical supervision, with the correct quantity applied to the correct areas. At The Care Pharmacy, our prescribing team supports patients across the UK with access to Elocon and other clinically appropriate skin treatments through a straightforward online consultation process.
Our prescribing team is here to help you find the right treatment. Get in touch with any questions, or complete our online consultation to find out whether Elocon is clinically appropriate for you.
Quick Answer
Elocon (mometasone furoate 0.1%) is a potent prescription topical corticosteroid used once daily to treat inflammatory skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and allergic contact dermatitis. It works by reducing the immune-mediated inflammation responsible for the redness, itch, and skin thickening that characterise these conditions, by suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins in affected skin. Elocon is available as both a cream (suitable for moist or weeping skin and daytime use) and an ointment (more suitable for dry, thickened, or scaly skin). It is a prescription-only medication in the UK and should be used for short, defined courses on affected body areas only — not on the face, genitals, or skin folds without specific clinical guidance. A clinical consultation is required before Elocon can be dispensed, which is available quickly and confidentially through our online pharmacy service.
What Is Elocon and How Does It Work?
Elocon is the brand name for mometasone furoate 0.1%, a synthetic corticosteroid developed for topical use on the skin. It was first approved in the 1980s and has since become one of the most widely prescribed topical steroids in the UK, valued for its combination of clinical efficacy, once-daily application, and a relatively favourable tolerability profile within the potent steroid class.
The Mechanism of Action
Topical corticosteroids work by binding to glucocorticoid receptors within skin cells, triggering a cascade of anti-inflammatory effects. In the context of inflammatory skin conditions, mometasone furoate:
- Suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines — including IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha — that drive the immune response responsible for redness and swelling
- Inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which mediate pain, itch, and vascular dilation in inflamed skin
- Reduces the permeability of blood vessels in the dermis, decreasing the redness and swelling characteristic of active skin inflammation
- Suppresses the activity of mast cells and eosinophils — immune cells that play a central role in allergic skin reactions
- Has a vasoconstrictive effect that contributes to the blanching of reddened skin within hours of application
The result is a rapid and meaningful reduction in the hallmark symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions — redness, itch, swelling, and skin thickening — when the medication is applied correctly to affected areas.
Why Once Daily?
One of the distinguishing features of mometasone furoate is its lipophilicity — it dissolves readily in the lipids of the skin and penetrates the epidermis efficiently, achieving sustained drug levels in the dermis with a single daily application. This pharmacokinetic profile means that once-daily dosing is clinically equivalent to the twice-daily regimens required by many other potent topical steroids, making it a more convenient option for patients managing ongoing or recurring inflammatory skin conditions.
What Does Elocon Treat?
Elocon is licensed for the treatment of inflammatory and pruritic (itchy) skin conditions that respond to corticosteroids. The conditions most commonly treated with Elocon in UK clinical practice include:
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema is the most common indication for Elocon in the UK. It is used to treat moderate-to-severe eczema flares on the body — reducing the inflammation, itch, and skin thickening that characterise active episodes. Elocon is typically prescribed for short courses of seven to fourteen days at the onset of a flare, alongside continued daily emollient use to maintain the skin barrier between treatments.
Psoriasis
In plaque psoriasis, Elocon helps to reduce the inflammation, scaling, and thickness of plaques on the body. It is not suitable for use on psoriasis affecting the face or flexural areas (such as the armpits or groin) without specific clinical guidance, due to the increased absorption in these areas and the risk of skin thinning.
Contact dermatitis
Both allergic and irritant contact dermatitis — once the causative agent has been identified and removed — can be treated effectively with Elocon to reduce the inflammatory response and relieve symptoms more rapidly than emollient use alone.
Other Responsive Conditions
Other inflammatory skin conditions for which Elocon may be prescribed include:
- Lichen simplex chronicus — a condition characterised by thickened, itchy skin patches caused by repeated scratching
- Discoid eczema (nummular dermatitis) — circular patches of inflamed skin that respond well to potent topical steroids
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis on the body — in some presentations, though antifungal treatment is typically the primary intervention
- Prurigo — intense itching with associated skin changes that benefit from the anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects of mometasone
Elocon Cream vs Ointment: Which Should You Use?
Elocon is available in two formulations — cream and ointment — both containing mometasone furoate 0.1% as the active ingredient. The choice between them depends on the nature of your skin condition and the area being treated.
In general, if you are unsure which formulation is right for your skin, your prescriber will advise based on the current state of your skin at the time of consultation. Switching between formulations during a treatment course is sometimes recommended — for example, starting with cream during an acute, moist flare and transitioning to ointment as the skin dries and thickens during recovery.
How to Use Elocon Correctly
Using Elocon correctly is essential for both clinical effectiveness and safety. The following guidance reflects standard UK clinical practice for mometasone furoate 0.1%.
Application Instructions:
- Apply a thin layer of Elocon to the affected area once daily, ideally at the same time each day
- Gently smooth the cream or ointment into the skin — do not rub vigorously
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after application, unless the hands are the area being treated
- Apply emollient to the same area either 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after Elocon to avoid diluting the active ingredient
- Do not apply under an occlusive dressing (such as clingfilm or a bandage) unless specifically instructed to do so by your prescriber, as this significantly increases absorption and the risk of side effects
- Do not apply to broken, infected, or open skin
The Fingertip Unit Guide:
A fingertip unit (FTU) is the amount of cream squeezed from the tip of the adult index finger to the first crease — approximately 0.5g. Using FTUs helps ensure you are applying the right quantity to each body area:
- One hand (both sides): 1 FTU
- One arm: 3 FTUs
- One leg: 6 FTUs
- Trunk (front or back): 7 FTUs
- Face and neck: 2.5 FTUs — though Elocon should not be used on the face without specific clinical guidance
Course Length:
Elocon is typically prescribed for short courses of seven to fourteen days for eczema flares. In some chronic conditions such as psoriasis, longer courses under clinical supervision may be appropriate. Treatment should be stopped once the flare has resolved — continuing beyond the prescribed course increases the risk of side effects without additional clinical benefit.
Where Does Elocon Sit in the Steroid Potency Scale?
Understanding where Elocon sits within the broader landscape of topical corticosteroids is important for understanding why it is prescribed and when it is the most appropriate choice. Topical steroids in the UK are classified into four potency groups:
- Mild: Hydrocortisone 0.5–1% (available OTC). Suitable for mild eczema on the face and body, and for use in young children and on sensitive skin areas.
- Moderate: Clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (Eumovate). Suitable for mild-to-moderate eczema flares, including on more sensitive areas under clinical guidance.
- Potent: Mometasone furoate 0.1% (Elocon), betamethasone valerate 0.1% (Betnovate). Suitable for moderate-to-severe eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions on the body. Prescription only.
- Very potent: Clobetasol propionate 0.05% (Dermovate). Reserved for severe or resistant conditions; highest risk of systemic absorption and side effects. Prescription only.
Elocon sits at the upper end of the potent category. Within the potent class, it is considered to have a somewhat lower propensity for skin atrophy than betamethasone valerate at equivalent clinical effect — a property attributed to its specific molecular structure and metabolic profile. This makes it a clinically preferred option for patients who require a potent steroid but for whom minimising the risk of skin thinning is a priority.
Elocon Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Like all topical corticosteroids, Elocon is safe when used correctly and for appropriate durations, but carries a risk of side effects with prolonged, excessive, or inappropriate use.
Local Side Effects (at the site of application):
- Skin thinning (atrophy) — particularly with prolonged use or use on thin-skinned areas
- Stretch marks (striae) — more common on areas with natural skin folds such as the armpits or groin
- Telangiectasia — visible small blood vessels, particularly on the face (which is why facial use requires specific clinical guidance)
- Perioral dermatitis — a rash of small pustules around the mouth triggered by topical steroid use on the face
- Skin depigmentation — lightening of the skin in the area of application, more noticeable in patients with darker skin tones
- Increased susceptibility to skin infections — topical steroids suppress local immune activity, which can allow bacterial, fungal, or viral infections to develop or worsen
Systemic Side Effects (from absorption into the bloodstream):
Systemic absorption of mometasone furoate through the skin is low with correct use on intact skin over short courses. However, the risk increases with prolonged use, large surface area application, occlusive dressings, or use on thin or broken skin. Potential systemic effects include adrenal suppression — a reduction in the adrenal glands’ ability to produce cortisol naturally — which is a clinical concern with long-term high-dose use of any topical corticosteroid.
Signs that you may be using too much or for too long:
- Skin that looks shiny, thin, or shows visible blood vessels in the treated area
- Acne or folliculitis developing in the treated area
- Symptoms returning very rapidly each time you stop treatment (steroid dependency)
- New or worsening skin infections in the treated area
If you notice any of these signs, stop applying Elocon and get in touch with our prescribing team for a clinical review.
Who Can and Cannot Use Elocon?
Elocon is appropriate for most adults and children over the age of two with inflammatory skin conditions that have not responded adequately to milder topical steroids. However, there are specific circumstances in which Elocon is contraindicated or requires additional caution.
Elocon should not be used:
- On the face, unless specifically prescribed for facial use by a clinician — and even then, only for very short courses on non-sensitive areas
- On the eyelids or around the eyes — topical steroids can increase intraocular pressure and contribute to glaucoma and cataracts with prolonged periorbital use
- On the genitals or in skin folds (armpits, groin) without specific clinical guidance — absorption is significantly higher in these areas
- On infected skin — bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infections (including cold sores) should be treated before or alongside Elocon, not with Elocon alone
- On acne-affected skin, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis — topical steroids worsen all three conditions
- In children under two years of age
Use with additional caution in:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women — Elocon should only be used during pregnancy if the clinical benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk, and only under medical supervision
- Patients with diabetes — topical steroids can affect blood glucose control, particularly with large-area or prolonged use
- Patients with psoriasis — rebound flares following steroid withdrawal are a recognised risk, and stepping down treatment gradually under clinical guidance is important
- Patients on immunosuppressive therapy — who may be at higher risk of developing infections in the treated area
Every prescription we issue follows a thorough clinical assessment. Complete our online consultation and our prescribing team will confirm whether Elocon is the right treatment for your skin before anything is dispensed.
Hints and Tips for Getting the Most from Elocon
Using Elocon effectively is about more than simply applying it to the right area. These ten practical tips will help you get the best clinical results while minimising the risk of side effects:
- Always apply your emollient as well as Elocon. Elocon treats the active inflammation, but it does not repair or maintain the skin barrier. Continuing to apply a generous emollient at least twice daily — separately from your Elocon application — is essential for preventing rapid relapse after your treatment course ends.
- Apply a thin layer, not a thick one. More is not better with topical steroids. A thin layer applied correctly to the affected area is clinically equivalent to a thick application — and significantly reduces the risk of side effects and the rate at which your prescription runs out.
- Use the fingertip unit guide. It sounds simple but many patients apply far more than needed. Using FTUs to measure your application helps ensure consistency, prevents overuse, and gives you a reliable way to estimate how long your prescription should last.
- Apply at the same time each day. Once-daily application is most effective when applied consistently at the same time. Many patients find evening application — after bathing and before emollient — easiest to incorporate into a routine.
- Do not stop and start unnecessarily. Starting a course and stopping after two or three days because your skin looks better is a common mistake. Stopping too early allows inflammation to re-establish quickly, often requiring a further course to bring it back under control. Complete the prescribed course.
- Never apply to infected skin. If your skin shows signs of infection — honey-coloured crusting, rapidly spreading redness, warmth, or pus — do not apply Elocon until the infection has been treated. Topical steroids suppress local immunity and can significantly worsen a skin infection.
- Keep Elocon away from the eyes. Even if treating skin close to the eye area, ensure the product does not get into the eyes or onto the eyelids. Chronic periorbital topical steroid use is associated with increased intraocular pressure and a risk of glaucoma.
- Track how much you are using. If you find yourself needing Elocon frequently or continuously to keep your skin manageable, this is an important clinical signal. Frequent or continuous reliance on a potent topical steroid suggests your underlying condition is not adequately controlled, and a clinical review is warranted.
- Store correctly. Elocon cream and ointment should be stored below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not freeze. Check the expiry date before use and do not use expired medication.
- Discuss a step-down plan with your prescriber. Rather than stopping Elocon abruptly after a course, some patients benefit from gradually reducing application frequency — for example, from daily to every other day over one to two weeks — before stopping entirely. This is particularly relevant for patients with psoriasis or chronic eczema, where rebound flares after steroid withdrawal are a recognised risk. Our team is happy to discuss this. Get in touch for clinical guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the questions patients most commonly ask our prescribing team about Elocon:
Can I use Elocon on my face?
Elocon is not recommended for use on the face as a general rule, due to the higher absorption rate of facial skin and the risk of side effects including skin thinning, telangiectasia, and perioral dermatitis with potent topical steroids. If you have an inflammatory skin condition affecting the face, a milder topical steroid — such as hydrocortisone 1% or Eumovate — is more appropriate, and clinical guidance should be sought before applying any corticosteroid to facial skin.
How long does Elocon take to work?
Most patients notice a reduction in itch and redness within 24–48 hours of starting Elocon, with more significant improvement in skin appearance typically visible within three to five days of consistent once-daily application. The full course should be completed as prescribed even if symptoms appear to have resolved earlier, to prevent rapid relapse of the underlying inflammatory process.
Can I use Elocon while pregnant?
Elocon should only be used during pregnancy under medical supervision and only when the clinical benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk to the developing baby. Topical corticosteroids are generally considered lower risk than systemic steroids during pregnancy when used in small quantities on limited areas for short courses, but a clinical assessment is always required before use.
Is Elocon stronger than Betnovate?
Both Elocon (mometasone furoate 0.1%) and Betnovate (betamethasone valerate 0.1%) are classified as potent topical corticosteroids and are broadly equivalent in clinical terms. Elocon is considered to have a somewhat lower propensity for causing skin atrophy at equivalent anti-inflammatory effect, which is one reason it may be preferred for patients who require a potent steroid but for whom minimising skin thinning is a clinical priority.
Can I use Elocon on children?
Elocon is licensed for use in children aged two years and over, but should be used with particular care in paediatric patients due to the higher ratio of skin surface area to body weight, which increases the risk of systemic absorption and adrenal suppression. Treatment courses in children should be as short as clinically possible, and a prescriber should always assess suitability before Elocon is used on a child.
Do I need a prescription for Elocon in the UK?
Yes — Elocon is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK and cannot be purchased over the counter. It requires a clinical assessment by a qualified prescriber before it can be dispensed, which is available quickly and confidentially through our online pharmacy service following a short consultation questionnaire reviewed by our prescribing team.
Getting the Right Treatment for Your Skin
Elocon is one of the most effective and widely used prescription topical steroids available in the UK — a well-established, clinically proven treatment for moderate-to-severe inflammatory skin conditions that have not responded to milder options. Used correctly, for the right indication, on the right areas of the body, and for appropriate course lengths, it provides rapid and meaningful relief from the symptoms that make inflammatory skin conditions so difficult to live with.
The key is using it with the right clinical guidance and as part of a broader management plan that includes consistent emollient use, trigger avoidance, and appropriate follow-up. A prescription for Elocon is not a standalone solution — it is one important component of a comprehensive approach to skin health.
Getting the right prescription treatment has never been more convenient, with our prescribing team available to assess your suitability for Elocon and other treatments quickly and confidentially online. Whether you are dealing with an acute eczema flare, persistent psoriasis plaques, or a skin condition that has simply not responded to milder treatments, our team is ready to help you find the right approach.
Reach out to our team today, or complete our online consultation to find out whether Elocon is the right treatment for your skin.
This article was written by Pharmacy Mentor and clinically reviewed by Mohammed Ismail Lakhi, MPharm, MRPharm, Superintendent Pharmacist at The Care Pharmacy. Mohammed is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC registration number 2072815) and leads clinical governance across The Care Pharmacy’s weight management services.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult a qualified prescriber before starting any prescription weight loss treatment.
Medically reviewed by
Mohammed Lakhi
Superintendent Pharmacist
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