Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm is a dermatological medication primarily used to treat bacterial skin infections, such as eczema, dermatitis, folliculitis (inflammation of the follicles) and impetigo (red sores on the face). A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter the body through the skin and cause infection. Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition in which the immune system becomes triggered, thereby causing inflammation, dry skin, itching, a skin rash that appears purple or grey or red in colour. 

Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm is composed of two medicines: Halobetasol propionate and Fusidic acid. Halobetasol propionate belongs to the class of corticosteroids. It blocks the production of prostaglandins (chemical messengers) that make the affected area red, swollen and itchy. On the other hand, Fusidic acid is an antibiotic that prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Together, Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm helps treat skin infections.

Your doctor will advise the appropriate dose that suits your infection. In some cases, Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm may cause common side effects like itching, dryness, redness and a burning sensation at the application site. These side effects usually do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if you face any other symptoms or if the side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.

Let your doctor know if you have/had any allergic reactions to Halobetasol propionate, Fusidic acid or other medications. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with bandages unless advised by your doctor. Do not use Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm on sensitive areas like nostrils, ears, lips or genitals if the doctor did not advise you. In case Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm comes in contact with eyes accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm.

Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm is used to treat bacterial skin infections, such as eczema and dermatitis. It consists of two medicines: Halobetasol propionate (corticosteroid) and Fusidic acid (antibiotic). Halobetasol propionate blocks prostaglandin's production (chemical messengers) that make the affected area red, swollen and itchy. It is used to treat inflammation and itchiness caused by eczema (inflamed and itchy skin), psoriasis (skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches), allergies and rash. On the other hand, Fusidic acid prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. It is used to treat infections like dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), spots, cuts, grazes, impetigo (weeping, crusty and swollen patch of skin) and folliculitis (inflammation of one or more hair follicles).

• Itching
• Dryness
• Redness
• Burning sensation

If you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother, please consult a doctor before using Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm. Avoid smoking or going near naked flames since Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm can catch fire and burn easily. Inform your doctor before using Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm if you have diabetes, Cushing's disease (high cortisol levels), cataract or glaucoma, thyroid, pituitary diseases, heart, kidney or liver problems before using Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm. Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm is not recommended to use for diaper rash, since Halobetasol propionate in Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm can be systemically absorbed and cause adrenal suppression, Cushing's syndrome and intracranial hypertension (pressure of the fluid that surrounds the brain).

Drug-Drug Interaction: Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm may interact with drugs treating HIV/AIDS (nelfinavir, ritonavir, cobicistat) and antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole).

Drug-Food Interaction: No interaction found/established.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm should be used with caution in diabetes, Cushing's disease (high cortisol levels), cataract or glaucoma, thyroid and pituitary diseases, and heart, kidney or liver problems.

• NELFINAVIR
• RITONAVIR
• COBICISTAT
• KETOCONAZOLE
• ITRACONAZOLE

• Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
• Regularly change your socks and wash your feet. Avoid shoes that make your feet sweaty and hot.
• Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent bacterial infections.
• Do not scratch the affected area of the skin as it can spread the infection to other body parts.
• Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, shoes or socks with others.
• Wash your bedsheets and towels regularly.
• Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
• Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.

• It is advised to reach out to your doctor if the bacterial infection symptoms persist or worsen after two weeks of treatment.
• Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly since Halobetasol propionate in Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm can cause a rise in blood sugar levels.
• If the medicine gets into your eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with cold water. It is better to consult your ophthalmologist to rule out the possibilities of cataract, glaucoma or any damage to the optic nerves.
• Do not apply tight dressings and bandages on the skin's affected areas after using Halotoz-F Cream 15 gm unless the doctor advised.

Bacterial infection: It occurs when bacteria enter the body through the skin. Bacterial skin infections are generally mild and can be treated using topical antibiotics. Few infections need treatment using an oral antibiotic. Symptoms of a skin infection include rashes, blisters, cracked/dry skin, itching, redness, swelling, stinging or burning sensation.

Eczema: It is a condition in which skin patches become inflamed, itchy, cracked and rough. Some eczema types can also lead to blisters (a small bubble on the skin filled with serum) and are caused by friction, burning, or other damage. 

Dermatitis: It is a skin condition that causes itchy, dry skin or a rash on swollen, reddened skin.