Fludroxycortide Tape

Fludroxycortide Tape is an innovative treatment for eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions. It is a surgical tape that is layered with a steroid. When you place it on your skin, it reduces inflammation.

This product is ideal for difficult areas of skin where a cream or ointment would rub off.

If you have an infection alongside an underlying skin condition, you should consider other corticosteroid treatments, such as the creams Daktacort and Trimovate.

Please note that Fludroxycortide Tape is the generic version of Haelan Tape. Both are NHS-approved treatments, contain the same ingredients and are applied in the same way.

Fludroxycortide Tape contains the active ingredient fludroxycortide (4mcg per 1 square centimeter of tape). Fludroxycortide is a topical corticosteroid, which works by calming your body’s immune system and reducing inflammation.

Inflammation is the cause of the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis, such as itchy skin, pain and stinging. It happens because your body perceives triggers like dust or pollen as threats and signals your skin to become inflamed. If you have psoriasis, the immune response also causes your skin to produce too many cells. These cells combine in characteristic “plaques”.

This product comes as tape. Many people will not have used medicated tape before. If you are unsure of the instructions, always consult with a healthcare professional.

It is important to first clean and shave (if hairy) the affected area before applying the tape. If you cut yourself while shaving, it is best to allow time for wound healing.

The tape is waterproof, so once applied, you can shower or bathe without worrying about it coming off.

Do not tear the tape. Instead, cut it with scissors. You should cut a piece large enough to cover all the affected areas, with about 0.5cm extra around all edges,

You should apply the tape to the skin for up to 12 hours. You should then take a minimum of 12 hours as a break before using another piece.

If you need to apply the tape to an awkward area that sees a lot of movement (for example, the back of the knee), you can cut the tape into smaller pieces so that it doesn’t flex.

A full list of side effects is included in the patient information leaflet. You can view this as a PDF on this page, and it will be added to the box your order comes in. If you have any reaction to Fludroxycortide Tape that is not listed, you can report it to the MHRA via the Yellow Card Scheme.

As this product is applied directly to the skin, you can expect most reactions to relate to the skin, including irritation. The underlying conditions, eczema and psoriasis, may be confused with these side effects. Due to this, if there is no improvement after 7 days, stop treatment and contact your doctor.

The long-term use of corticosteroids can cause more serious adverse effects.* These include:

• adrenal suppression
• hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth)
• skin depigmentation
• skin thinning**

If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop treatment and contact your doctor ASAP. Fatigue, vomiting and loss of appetite are signs of adrenal issues.

*Do not exceed the recommended course of 2-4 weeks.

**This is more dangerous if you are older as the skin naturally thins as you age.

There are many different causes and treatments of skin conditions. Not all are the same. Only use Fludroxycortide Tape as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis (except the types mentioned below). Do not use it as a treatment for:

• rosacea
• acne
• fungal, viral and bacterial skin infections
• herpes, cold sores or chickenpox
• any undiagnosed lesions
• perioral dermatitis
• widespread plaque psoriasis
• dermatitis around the mouth
• itchiness of the genitals or anus
• skin conditions in babies
• skin reactions to smallpox vaccination
• tuberculosis of the skin

You should also ask your GP or dermatologist for another treatment if you:

• are allergic to any of Fludroxycortide Tape’s ingredients
• have had any allergic reactions to any topical steroids in the past
• are using any corticosteroids currently

What precautions should I take?

Do not use the tape for longer than 2-4 weeks continuously, especially on the face.

When ordering, make sure to answer HealthExpress’ online consultation honestly, listing all current medications and conditions - this will allow our doctors to ensure Fludroxycortide Tape is right for you.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a child, please consult with your doctor or an expert in dermatology before starting this treatment.

Before you order Fludroxycortide Tape, you must first complete a short consultation. It will ask you to fill in details about your symptoms, medications you are taking and past and current conditions. The information you provide will NOT be shared with third parties (other than your GP when required).

Our price includes the consultation, prescription and next-day delivery.