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Cyclocort Uses
Psoriasis, eczema, and poison ivy are a few of the conditions that Cyclocort is used to treat. This prescription skin medicine works by suppressing an overactive immune system and reducing inflammation. It is not approved for use in children, as they may be more likely to develop serious side effects. Possible off-label uses may include the treatment of vitiligo and penile or labial adhesions.
Cyclocort® (amcinonide) is a prescription skin medication used to treat inflammation and itching due to a wide variety of conditions. Some of these conditions include but are not limited to:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Poison ivy
- Seborrhea.
Specifically, Cyclocort is approved to treat itching and inflammation due to any skin condition that is responsive to corticosteroids (Cyclocort is a corticosteroid).
This medicine comes as a cream, an ointment, or a lotion. The ointment is greasier, while the lotion and the cream are easier and less messy to apply. The lotion is particularly useful for applying to hairy areas.
Cyclocort is part of a group of medications known as glucocorticoids, which are a type of corticosteroid (or "steroid" for short). Although glucocorticoids have numerous effects in the body, they are used mostly for their anti-inflammatory or immune-suppressing properties. Cyclocort works by decreasing inflammation and suppressing an overactive immune system.
Cyclocort is not specifically approved for use in children. Children are at an increased risk for serious side effects of steroids. In general, steroids, including Cyclocort, are used for short-term treatment only. This is especially important for children.
Keep in mind that Cyclocort is not approved to treat diaper rash and should never be applied to the diaper area, unless your child's healthcare provider specifically recommends that you do so. Covering this medicine with a diaper can increase the absorption of the medicine and increase the risk for serious side effects.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD