Mometasone

What is Mometasone?

Mometasone is a steroid cream that helps lower inflammation, redness and itching. As a topical treatment, it treats many conditions, including the different types of eczema like atopic, dyshidrotic and discoid. And as a nasal spray, it can help clear congestion from conditions like hay fever and sinusitis.

Atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema, and it causes symptoms like swelling, redness and itching. It can lead to other types of eczema, like discoid eczema, also known as neurodermatitis. Discoid eczema is characterised by red or purple coin-shaped patches on your skin. It can also cause your skin to become scaly and itchy, but it’s usually easily treated with topical steroids.^[1] The leaflets for Mometasone cream and ointment mention they can be used for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, so using them for other types of dermatitis is considered off-label. But don’t worry, your clinician will only prescribe it if they believe it’s safe and the benefits outweigh the risks for your specific case.

Another type of eczema is dyshidrotic, which affects your hands and feet. It starts very itchy, causing burning sensations and rashes. As it worsens, blisters can develop and cause infections. You can treat it with topical steroids, but if it becomes infected you might need additional treatment with antibiotics.^[2]

How does Mometasone work?

Mometasone furoate is a topical steroid with anti-inflammatory and anti‐pruritic properties. This means it helps to reduce swelling, blisters and itching. Although the exact way it works is unknown, it’s thought to indirectly bind to the nucleus in certain cells, changing their genes. This causes anti-inflammatory molecules to be produced and inflammatory molecules to stop being produced.^[3] As a result, swelling and itching are reduced.

What are the different forms of Mometasone?

Mometasone is available in many forms and it can treat many conditions. As a topical medicine, it comes as a cream or ointment. Some may use the terms interchangeably, but there are differences between the two. Ointments have a thicker consistency and contain more oil compared to creams. So they’re more effective at restoring your skin barrier and treating dry skin. ^[4]

There’s also a nasal spray containing mometasone. It’s used for conditions like hay fever and sinusitis to help open the airways and reduce swelling. It’s also available as an inhaler to prevent asthma attacks.

How to use Mometasone

Before using mometasone, make sure to follow the instructions below:

• Don’t use the cream or ointment on your face for more than five days.
• Don’t use it on other areas of the body for more than three weeks or on more than 20% of your body.
• Don’t apply a bandage or plaster after applying the ointment, unless your clinician advises you to do so.

To use the steroid, apply it to the affected area — one fingertip amount should be enough to cover the size of two hands — and rub it in. Use it for as long as your clinician advises.

Can I stop using mometasone anytime?

No, you shouldn’t stop using mometasone suddenly after using it for a long time. This is because it can cause withdrawal symptoms like redness and stinging. Instead, contact your clinician online who will help you gradually stop.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Mometasone?

If you accidentally forget to apply the cream, use it when you remember. Don’t apply it twice in one day or apply a double dose to make up for the missed one.

If you accidentally swallow some ointment, it shouldn’t cause any side effects, but if you’re concerned, contact your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice. Applying too much can be bad for your health, so don’t use it for an extended period of time.