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What is mometasone furoate cream used for?

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What conditions does it treat?Where do you apply it?Summary
A person itching their skin as a result of eczema and psoriasis
Mometasone furoate cream is used to treat red or discolored, itchy, dry, or inflamed skin due to eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or seborrheic dermatitis.
Medically reviewed by Andrew Cox, PharmD, MBA
Written by Lauren Lerner
Updated on

Mometasone furoate cream is a topical steroid medication that doctors prescribe to treat skin rashes and irritation from conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It comes as a cream, lotion, and an ointment.

Mometasone furoate is a generic drug and is not available in a brand-name version. You will need a prescription for this medication. It is not available over the counter (OTC).

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What skin conditions does mometasone furoate treat?

Mometasone furoate is a corticosteroid used to treat certain skin conditions in adults, such as:

It works by lowering the levels of inflammatory chemicals that cause itchy, red or discolored, or dry skin. It can also slow the process of new skin cells being made. This helps to lessen the number of scaly patches that appear with conditions like psoriasis.

The safety and effectiveness of mometasone furoate cream has not been established in children under 2 years of age. So although it can help treat inflammatory skin conditions in adults, you should not use it for babies. Mometasone furoate solution and lotion aren’t approved for children under the age of 12 years.

Where do you apply mometasone furoate cream?

You will typically apply mometasone furoate cream to the areas of your skin affected by eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or seborrheic dermatitis.

You should not use mometasone furoate on your face or other areas where your skin is more sensitive unless your doctor directs you to do so. This includes the groin area or near your eyes. You should also not use it on broken skin or cuts.

Because mometasone furoate is a steroid, applying it to sensitive areas or areas where the skin is thinner could increase your risk of side effects like acne, changes in skin color, or irritation. If you have an inflammatory skin condition that affects these areas, talk with your doctor. They will help you with the safest and most effective treatment.

When using mometasone furoate cream:

  1. Wash and dry your hands before squeezing out enough cream to cover the end of your finger (this should be enough to treat an area that’s twice the size of the palm of your hand).
  2. Spread the cream in a thin layer over the entire area of irritated skin, not just the worst areas.
  3. Rub it into your skin, in the same direction that your hair grows, until the cream disappears.
  4. Wash and dry your hands when you finish applying the cream.

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Summary

Mometasone furoate is used to treat skin rashes and other skin irritation due to eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or seborrheic dermatitis in adults. While it doesn’t treat these conditions, it helps ease symptoms like red or discolored, itchy, dry, or inflamed skin. Mometasone furoate cream should not be used for babies with these skin conditions.

When using this drug, you should apply it over the entire area of irritated skin, not just the worst areas. However, it’s important to avoid applying mometasone furoate to your face, groin area, or eyes, as this could lead to certain side effects.

If mometasone furoate cream is not helping with your symptoms, talk with your doctor. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when using mometasone furoate cream. This will help lower your risk of side effects.

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