Is fluocinonide a steroid?

Yes, fluocinonide is a steroid. It comes in topical forms like a cream that you put on your skin to help with swelling and itching. Fluocinonide is called a "[high-potency](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/corticosteroids/topical-steroid-potency-chart)" or "super potent" steroid. This means that it's much stronger than over-the-counter options like [topical hydrocortisone](https://www.goodrx.com/hydrocortisone/what-is).

Can you use fluocinonide solution on the scalp?

Yes, you can use the fluocinonide topical solution on the scalp. But be careful to use the smallest amount needed and [not get it in your eyes](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=4b1f775e-a7ad-4151-975e-6026296b5cea&type=display). Follow your prescriber's instructions on where you can apply the fluocinonide topical solution.

Can fluocinonide cause hair loss?

During studies, hair loss wasn't a common side effect of fluocinonide that people had. If you notice [more hair falling out](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/hair-loss/most-common-causes-of-hair-loss) than usual, speak with your primary care provider. They can help you figure out what's going on.

Can fluocinonide be used on face?

Fluocinonide usually isn't prescribed for the face. But in some cases, a skin specialist might have you use the [lower strength](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b0bc89a9-c9d5-4adb-9785-2d4487c4c656) (0.05%) on your face for very short time and then check in with them occasionally. The [higher strength](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=248675bd-c797-46ab-adf9-f37352c33059) of fluocinonide (0.1%) shouldn't be used on the face. The skin on your face can be sensitive. So, it can get irritated or become more fragile with medication use there. Talk to your prescriber about the safest way to treat skin problems on your face.

What's the difference between triamcinolone and fluocinonide?

[Triamcinolone](https://www.goodrx.com/triamcinolone/what-is) and [fluocinonide](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b0bc89a9-c9d5-4adb-9785-2d4487c4c656) are both topical steroids. They're both used on the skin to help with itchiness and inflammation. But they have [different potencies](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/corticosteroids/topical-steroid-potency-chart). Triamcinolone is a "medium-potent" steroid. Fluocinonide is in the "super-potent" or "highly-potent" group, depending on the strength. This means that fluocinonide is generally a stronger steroid than triamcinolone. Talk to a healthcare professional to [compare](https://www.goodrx.com/compare/triamcinolone-vs-fluocinonide) the two and see which is right for you.

fluocinonide

Generic Vanos

Used for Eczema, Itching, Psoriasis, Skin Allergy

Fluocinonide is a strong topical steroid that's applied on the skin. It treats rashes and skin irritation in adults and children. The medication comes as a cream, ointment, gel, and topical solution. All topical forms come as generics, but the cream is also available under the brand name Vanos. You apply fluocinonide to the affected skin one to four times a day, depending on the formulation. This medication isn't meant for long-term use because of potential side effects like skin thinning and changes in skin color.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on January 16, 2026

What is Fluocinonide?

What is Fluocinonide used for?

Inflammatory and itchy skin problems, such as rash, eczema, and psoriasis

How Fluocinonide works

Fluocinonide is a topical corticosteroid. It works by blocking inflammatory chemicals that cause redness and swelling in the skin. This helps relieve skin irritation and itching due to certain skin problems.

Are you looking for information on topical fluocinolone (Synalar) instead?

When does Fluocinonide start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

Initial effect

WEEKS

Full effect

MONTHS

Drug facts

Common Brands	Vanos
Drug Class	Corticosteroid
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	Lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Vanos

Drug Class

Corticosteroid

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

Lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Side effects of Fluocinonide

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Burning feeling where fluocinonide is applied

Less Common Side Effects

Dry skin
Itchy skin
Irritated skin
Inflamed hair follicles
Headache (0.1% cream only)

When do Fluocinonide possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

MMINUTES

HHOURS

DDAYS

WWEEKS

MMONTHS

Burning feeling on the skin

Source: DailyMed

The following Fluocinonide side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin

irritation

itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin

redness and scaling around the mouth

thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (e.g. between the fingers)

thinning, weakness, or wasting away of the skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Fever

headache

muscle aches

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Acne or pimples

burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters

burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair

increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs

lightening of normal skin color

lightening of treated areas of dark skin

reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin

softening of the skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more Fluocinonide side effects

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price

$38.99(Save 68.94%)

GoodRx discount

$12.11

See prices

Pros and cons of Fluocinonide

Pros

Treats a wide range of skin problems that are itchy or inflamed
Has few side effects when used for short periods of time
Many formulation options available (cream, gel, ointment, or topical solution)

Cons

Might have to apply it up to 4 times a day (depends on the strength and your symptoms)
Might not be the best option for treating sensitive areas like the face, underarms, or groin
Not meant for long-term use

Pharmacist tips for Fluocinonide

Wash your hands well after using fluocinonide, unless you're treating your hands. This helps prevent you from accidentally getting the medication in your eyes. If it gets in your eye, flush your eye with water right away.
You might feel slight burning after you apply fluocinonide. But if you notice a rash appear, talk to your care team. It might be a sign of an allergic reaction.
For the fluocinonide 0.1% cream: Don't use on sensitive areas like the face, underarms, or groin because it might cause irritation. Don't use more than 60 grams per week. Talk to your prescriber about what this amount looks like.
Don't cover the area with bandages or dressings after applying fluocinonide, unless your prescriber says it's okay. Also don't put tight diapers or plastic pants on children if that's the area being treated. This can cause too much medication to get absorbed through the skin and raise the risk of side effects.
If you don't see symptom improvement after using fluocinonide for 2 weeks, tell your prescriber. You might need a different medication to treat your symptoms.

Common questions about Fluocinonide

Yes, Fluocinonide is a steroid. It comes in topical forms like a cream that you put on your skin to help with swelling and itching. Fluocinonide is called a "high-potency" or "super potent" steroid. This means that it's much stronger than over-the-counter options like topical hydrocortisone.

No, Fluocinonide isn't an antifungal medication. It's a steroid medication. Steroids don't kill the fungus like antifungal creams can. But they can help relieve symptoms of a fungal skin infection, like redness and swelling.

Yes, you can use the Fluocinonide topical solution on the scalp. But be careful to use the smallest amount needed and not get it in your eyes. Follow your prescriber's instructions on where you can apply the Fluocinonide topical solution.

During studies, hair loss wasn't a common side effect of Fluocinonide that people had. If you notice more hair falling out than usual, speak with your primary care provider. They can help you figure out what's going on.

Don't use Fluocinonide on your face, underarms, or groin unless a healthcare professional says it's okay. These areas have thin, sensitive skin and can have side effects there more easily. Also keep the medication away from your vagina, nose, and eyes because it can cause irritation.

Fluocinonide usually isn't prescribed for the face. But in some cases, a skin specialist might have you use the lower strength (0.05%) on your face for very short time and then check in with them occasionally. The higher strength of Fluocinonide (0.1%) shouldn't be used on the face. The skin on your face can be sensitive. So, it can get irritated or become more fragile with medication use there. Talk to your prescriber about the safest way to treat skin problems on your face.

In general, it's best to use Fluocinonide for only 2 weeks at a time. You shouldn't use it every day for long periods, like months or years. Using it too long without a break can make it more likely for your skin to become thin or fragile. Talk to your prescriber about how long you should use Fluocinonide for your skin problem.

Triamcinolone and Fluocinonide are both topical steroids. They're both used on the skin to help with itchiness and inflammation. But they have different potencies. Triamcinolone is a "medium-potent" steroid. Fluocinonide is in the "super-potent" or "highly-potent" group, depending on the strength. This means that Fluocinonide is generally a stronger steroid than triamcinolone. Talk to a healthcare professional to compare the two and see which is right for you.

Risks and warnings for Fluocinonide

Fluocinonide can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Change in stress hormone levels

Risk factors: Using fluocinonide for a long time | Using large amounts of fluocinonide on your skin | Using more than one steroid medication | Wrapping a tight bandage over the treated area | Using on skin wounds | Liver problems | Children

Fluocinonide is a steroid that can act like cortisol, a stress hormone your body makes. If you use too much fluocinonide, use it for too long, or put it on large areas of skin, it can change your cortisol levels.

In these cases, using fluocinonide can also cause the body to make less of its own natural cortisol. This can make you feel weak or unwell. Although rare, using the medication too much or using it for too long might also cause symptoms like high blood sugar.

To stay safe, use the smallest amount of fluocinonide for the shortest time possible. Don't use more of the medication or for longer than what your prescriber told you. The 1% cream shouldn't be used for more than 2 weeks at a time. Talk to your prescriber if you need to use the medication for a longer period of time or on large areas of skin.

Skin reactions

Risk factors: Using too much fluocinonide | Using fluocinonide for a long time | Wrapping a tight bandage or wound dressing over the treated area

Some people might have skin reactions while using fluocinonide. These can include burning, itching, irritation, dry skin, rash, or swollen hair follicles. Other reactions can be thin or fragile skin, stretch marks, spider veins, skin color changes, or skin infections.

These problems are more likely if you use too much fluocinonide or use it longer than prescribed. The risk is also higher if you cover the area with a tight bandage.

Use only a small amount of fluocinonide and for the shortest time needed to treat your symptoms.

Worsening of skin infections

Risk factors: Previous skin infection

Topical steroids like fluocinonide can sometimes make skin infections worse. They can also sometimes slow healing. Tell your care team if you think you have a skin infection while using fluocinonide. Look for signs like redness, pain, swelling, or pus.

If you have a skin infection, your care team might give you other medication, such as a topical antibiotic or antifungal, to treat it. If the infection doesn't get better, tell your care team. You might need to stop using fluocinonide until the infection goes away.

Allergic skin reactions

Skin irritation that doesn't go away can be an early sign that you're allergic to fluocinonide. Tell your care team if any skin irritation doesn't get better.

Fluocinonide dosage

The average cost for 1 bottle of 60ml of 0.05% of Fluocinonide is $22.74 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 77.77% off the average retail price of $102.28.

Bottle of topical solution

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
60ml of 0.05%	1 bottle	$22.74	$22.74
20ml of 0.05%	3 bottles	$28.60	$9.53

Tube of cream

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
120g of 0.05%	1 tube	$43.03	$43.03
15g of 0.05%	1 tube	$12.11	$12.11
30g of 0.05%	1 tube	$21.67	$21.67
60g of 0.05%	1 tube	$31.45	$31.45
120g of 0.1%	1 tube	$23.49	$23.49
30g of 0.1%	1 tube	$17.07	$17.07
60g of 0.1%	1 tube	$16.27	$16.27

Tube of gel

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
60g of 0.05%	1 tube	$38.67	$38.67
30g of 0.05%	1 tube	$30.91	$30.91
15g of 0.05%	1 tube	$19.81	$19.81

Tube of ointment

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
60g of 0.05%	1 tube	$29.38	$29.38
30g of 0.05%	2 tubes	$28.83	$14.42
15g of 0.05%	1 tube	$13.94	$13.94

See more Fluocinonide dosage

Interactions between Fluocinonide and other drugs

Fluocinonide may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Fluocinonide. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

See more Fluocinonide interactions