Fludroxycortide Tape

What is Fludroxycortide Tape?

Fludroxycortide Tape is a transparent medicated surgical tape, previously known as Haelan Tape. It’s impregnated with fludroxycortide, which is a corticosteroid (or simply steroid). When applied to inflamed areas of the skin, it helps reduce redness, swelling and itching.

Fludroxycortide Tape is typically used to help treat skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema, especially when the skin is dry and scaly. It can also be used in wound care to prevent the development of “proud flesh” (too much extra tissue growing over a wound, which can slow down healing).^[1]

It’s also used for lichen planus, particularly in areas with thick, hardened growths. It works best on dry, localised skin irritations, especially in areas without hair (because it sticks better). Because the tape is flexible and adhesive, it’s suitable for use on joints like elbows, knees and fingertips.^[2]

How does Fludroxycortide Tape work?

Fludroxycortide Tape contains fludroxycortide as the active ingredient. Fludroxycortide is a type of medication called a topical corticosteroid, which works by reducing swelling associated with lichen planus. Lichen planus is thought to be caused by your immune system attacking your own tissues, which causes inflammation, irritation and pruritus (itching).^[3]

What doses of Fludroxycortide Tape are there?

There is only one dose, which is Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape. (Meaning each square centimetre of the tape contains 4 micrograms of the steroid fludroxycortide.) It comes in both 7.5cm x 20cm and 7.5cm x 50cm rolls.

How to apply Fludroxycortide Tape?

When applying Fludroxycortide Tape, make sure to follow these general instructions, unless your clinician tells you otherwise:

• Clean and dry the affected skin.
• If necessary, shave the hair around the affected area to help it stick.
• Cut the Fludroxycortide Tape with clean scissors (it can’t be torn) into pieces that are big enough to cover the affected area, and about 0.5cm of healthy skin around it.
• Remove the paper backing and stick the clear adhesive side of the tape onto your skin. The tape will stick better if you stroke the back of it gently from the middle outwards.
• If you need to cover an area of skin which is longer than 7cm, don’t remove all the paper backing when you cut the tape. Peel it back little by little as you stick the tape to your skin.
• If the affected area is likely to move a lot, for example because it’s on your hands, fingers, feet, knees or elbows, apply the tape while your skin is bent. You can cut bits from the tape to allow you to mould the tape into shape over the affected area.
• Don’t cover the tape with other dressings or tightly fitting clothes.

Fludroxycortide Tape is waterproof, allowing you to wash, bathe, shower or swim without worrying about it getting damaged. It also has a matt surface, so that you can apply makeup over it if you want to.

How long can I use Fludroxycortide Tape for?

Typically, the recommended application time is usually 12 hours a day (but it can be longer). Always follow your clinician’s advice on how long to use the tape for. It’s important not to use Fludroxycortide Tape for long periods of time without speaking to your clinician.

If you’re using the tape on your face, don’t use it for longer than five days. In general, keep using it until the flare-up has gone and then stop the treatment. Typically, a treatment course of 2-4 weeks is enough, but if your symptoms don’t improve or worsen, speak with your clinician again for further advice. And as a general rule, it shouldn’t be used for more than 1-2 weeks in children.

Who can use Fludroxycortide Tape?

Fludroxycortide Tape is usually safe to use. However, don’t use it if you’re allergic to fludroxycortide or any of the other ingredients in the tape. Also, if you have or develop any of the following conditions, don’t use Fludroxycortide Tape and tell your clinician straight away:

• Chicken pox
• Skin reactions to smallpox vaccination
• Rosacea of the face or acne pimples
• Dermatitis around the mouth
• Itchiness of the genitals or anus
• Skin conditions in babies including eczema or napkin rash
• Bacterial, fungal or viral skin infections

For a full list of warnings and contraindications, make sure you read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for Fludroxycortide Tape.