Fludroxycortide tape

What is Fludroxycortide Tape?

Fludroxycortide is a thin, lightweight medical tape; it contains 4 micrograms of the corticosteroid (or steroid) fludroxycortide per square centimetre of tape. It used to go by the name Haelan tape. Fludroxycortide is classed as a potent steroid, the second-highest class of steroid available.

Fludroxycortide tape is generally used in cases of eczema, psoriasis, or similar inflammatory skin conditions. The steroid impregnated in the tape means that it reduces inflammation, itchiness, and swelling when applied. Fludroxycortide tape is also believed to help with wound healing, as it can prevent the development of ‘proud flesh’ (excessive tissue that hasn’t healed properly, often occurring in cases like prurigo nodularis due to the scratching of open wounds).^[1]

Prurigo nodularis is a chronic disorder that’s thought to be caused by extreme and repetitive itching and scratching. What triggers this in the first place is unknown, but the main theory is that it’s caused by your nervous system becoming dysregulated.^[2] Generally, you’ll have a rash that expands over time into hard, scaly, and very itchy nodules (hard lumps) on the skin. Everyone is different – some people may only have a few nodules, others may have hundreds. As the nodules develop, they intensify the itching sensation, setting off a cycle of increased scratching and rubbing. This cycle may contribute to new nodules, worsening the itchiness. The persistent scratching and rubbing slow down the healing of nodules, potentially causing scarring. The first-line treatment for prurigo nodularis is topical corticosteroids.^[3]

How does Fludroxycortide tape work?

Fludroxycortide tape is imbued (predictably) with the corticosteroid fludroxycortide. Corticosteroids essentially work by calming your immune system down, leading to a decrease in the inflammation that causes the itching and pain associated with prurigo nodularis. Fludroxycortide tape is impregnated with the steroid, meaning that it is applied directly to the area of skin where you need it.

Covering your itchy and inflamed nodules directly with the tape means you don’t need to worry about your treatment not getting where it needs to go. Unlike creams or ointments which can rub off on your clothes or sheets, the tape will stay stuck to the skin, helping you absorb the maximum amount into your system.

Fludroxycortide tape can also help flatten down your nodules, while also providing a protective layer. This makes it harder for you to scratch your prurigo nodularis, even unknowingly, which should speed up the healing process and reduce the chances of setting off the cycle of increased itching and scratching (known as the itch-scratch cycle).^[4]

Due to the flexible, adhesive nature of the tape, it can be applied to trickier areas, like your knees, elbows, or tummy – often areas affected by prurigo nodularis, due to them being easy to reach and scratch.

How to use Fludroxycortide

Make sure you follow instructions set out for you by your clinician to ensure the maximum benefit of the Fludroxycortide tape. But as a general rule:

• Make sure the area you want to apply the tape is clean and dry. If necessary, shave the area to help the tape stick down securely.
• Always cut the tape with a pair of clean scissors. Fludroxycortide tape can’t be torn.
• Your doctor should tell you which area you’re treating. Cut off a piece of tape big enough to cover the affected area, and around half a centimetre of unaffected skin around.
• Remove the paper backing and put the sticky side of the tape onto your skin. Take care to not catch it on yourself or your clothes.
• The tape will stick better if you stroke the back of it gently from the middle outwards.
• If you find yourself needing to cover an area longer than 7cm, avoid removing all the paper backing at once when cutting the tape. Peel it back gradually while applying the tape to your skin.
• For areas that move around a lot, like hands, fingers, feet, knees, or elbows, apply the tape when your skin is bent. You can customise the tape by cutting small pieces to mould it over the affected area.
• Avoid covering the tape with additional dressings or snug-fitting clothes.

Fludroxycortide tape is waterproof, meaning you don’t need to worry about it getting wet. Its matte surface also allows you to apply makeup over it if you want.

Are there different forms of Fludroxycortide?

Fludroxycortide also comes in the form of a cream. It has the same active ingredient: fludroxycortide, and is used to treat the same type of skin conditions.

Fludroxycortide tape also comes in different sizes: 7.5cm x 20cm and 7.5cm x 50cm rolls.

How long should I use Fludroxycortide for?

Your doctor will tell you how long you should use fludroxycortide tape for, but generally the time it should be applied for will be 12 hours.

Don’t use Fludroxycortide tape for longer periods of time without first having a chat with your doctor.