<p>Fluticasone propionate has a very low propensity for systemic absorption, nevertheless, prolonged application of high doses to large areas of the body surface, especially in infants and small children might lead to adrenal suppression. Children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity. The face, more than other areas of the body, may exhibit atropic changes after prolonged treatment with potent topical corticosteroids. This must be borne in mind when treating severe eczema. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be used whenever treating inflammatory lesions which have become infected. Any spread of infection requires withdrawal of topical corticosteroid therapy and systemic administration of antimicrobial agents. Bacterial infection is encouraged by the warm, moist conditions induced by occlusive dressing, and so the skin should be cleansed before a fresh dressing is applied.</p>