MOMATE CREAM 15GM

What Is MOMATE CREAM?

Momate Cream contains Mometasone Furoate 0.3%, the same potent synthetic corticosteroid found in Elecom Ointment, but formulated as a cream rather than an ointment.

The key difference lies in the base: creams contain water and feel lighter and less greasy than ointments, making them better suited for moist, weeping, or inflamed skin, and more cosmetically acceptable for daytime use on visible areas.

Like the ointment, Momate Cream reduces skin inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching through its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive action, once-daily application provides effective, sustained relief.

What Is It Used For?

Momate Cream is prescribed for inflammatory skin conditions where the cream formulation is preferable to an ointment. It is commonly used for atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is weeping or moist, contact dermatitis (skin reactions to allergens or irritants), seborrhoeic dermatitis, and inflammatory psoriasis in areas where an ointment would be too heavy or occlusive.

The cream base is also better tolerated in hairy or flexural areas of the body such as the scalp margins, elbow creases, and behind the knees, where ointments can feel uncomfortably greasy.

In Kenya, it is one of the most widely prescribed topical steroids for eczema management in both adults and children.

Application

Apply a thin layer to the affected skin once daily. Gently massage in until absorbed.

Duration

Use for the shortest effective period, typically 2–4 weeks. Do not use continuously beyond 4 weeks without medical review.

Sensitive Areas

Do not apply to the face, groin, or armpits unless a dermatologist specifically directs you to; these areas are prone to steroid-related thinning.

Not for Eyes

Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

Hand Hygiene

Wash hands before and after application unless treating the hands.

Avoid Occlusion

Do not apply tight bandages or wrapping over the cream unless prescribed.

Common Side Effects

·       Mild stinging or burning sensation on application (usually settles quickly)

·       Skin dryness

Uncommon Side Effects

·       Skin atrophy (thinning) with prolonged use

·       Stretch marks (striae)

·       Folliculitis (hair follicle inflammation)

·       Perioral dermatitis or acneiform eruptions

Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

·       Systemic corticosteroid effects with extensive/prolonged use: adrenal suppression, hyperglycaemia, Cushing's syndrome

·       Secondary skin infections due to local immune suppression

·       Glaucoma or cataracts with periorbital use

·       POTENT STEROID, ONCE DAILY ONLY: Mometasone 0.1% is a potent topical steroid. Once-daily application is sufficient, using it more often does not increase efficacy but does increase side effects.

·       CHILDREN: Use smallest effective amount for the shortest time. Children have greater relative skin surface area and are more susceptible to systemic absorption.

·       SKIN ATROPHY: Prolonged use, especially on thin or flexural skin, causes irreversible skin thinning.

·       DO NOT DIAGNOSE AND SELF-TREAT: Do not use Momate Cream on any skin condition without a proper diagnosis, using it on rosacea, acne, or a fungal infection will worsen these conditions.

·       PREGNANCY: Limit use to small areas for short durations under medical guidance.

No significant systemic drug interactions at standard topical doses in adults.

Avoid concurrent use of other topical corticosteroids on the same skin area.

·       Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.

·       Keep tube tightly closed after each use.

·       Do not freeze.

·       Protect from direct sunlight.

·       Keep out of reach of children.

Momate Cream (Mometasone Furoate 0.1%) is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in Kenya due to its potent corticosteroid classification. Available at Pharmily with a valid prescription from a doctor or dermatologist.

Momate Cream and Elecom Ointment both contain Mometasone Furoate 0.1%, counsel patients on the formulation difference and when each is appropriate. Cream is preferred for moist, weeping eczema and for hairy or flexural areas; ointment is preferred for dry, lichenified, or thick skin.

Once-daily dosing must be emphasised, patient habit and cultural tendency to apply more frequently requires explicit counselling. Screen for rosacea, fungal infection, and acne before dispensing, all are conditions worsened by topical steroids. For children, consider the body surface area burden and confirm the prescribing doctor has assessed systemic absorption risk. The 4-week review cycle should be communicated clearly, flag for follow-up at dispensing.

Q1: What is Momate Cream used for?

A: Momate Cream is used to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis by reducing redness, swelling, and itching. The cream formulation is particularly good for moist or weeping skin.

Q2: What is the difference between Momate Cream and Elecom Ointment?

A: Both contain the same active ingredient (Mometasone Furoate 0.1%), but Momate is a cream (water-based, lighter) and Elecom is an ointment (oil-based, richer). Cream is better for weeping or moist skin; ointment is better for dry or thickened skin.

Q3: How often should I apply Momate Cream?

A: Once daily is all that is needed. Applying it more often does not improve results but significantly increases the risk of skin thinning and other side effects.

Q4: Can I use Momate Cream on my face?

A: Generally not, the face is more sensitive to steroid side effects. Only use on the face if your dermatologist specifically tells you to.

Q5: My child has eczema, is Momate Cream safe?

A: Momate Cream can be used in children over 2 years under medical supervision. Use the smallest amount for the shortest time possible. It is not recommended for children under 2 years.

Q6: Can Momate Cream be used on infected eczema?

A: No, if the skin is infected (signs include pus, increasing warmth, or spreading redness), see a doctor first. Using a steroid cream on infected skin without antibiotic treatment can make the infection worse.