Epifoam® Foam Spray by Viatris Specialty — 10 g Aerosol Can

Description: Uses, How It Works, Ingredients, Directions, and Side Effects

Epifoam® Foam Spray is a topical prescription foam containing hydrocortisone acetate 1% and pramoxine hydrochloride 1%. It is used on the skin to help relieve itching, inflammation, redness, swelling, and discomfort caused by certain irritated or inflamed skin conditions that respond to corticosteroids.

Because Epifoam contains both a mild corticosteroid and a topical anesthetic/anti-itch agent, it provides dual-action relief: it reduces inflammation while also helping numb itching and pain at the site of irritation.

What Epifoam Is Used For

Epifoam is used for the relief of inflammatory and itchy symptoms of corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions, such as:

• Itching and inflammation from dermatitis
• Irritated or inflamed skin rashes
• Localized allergic skin reactions
• Contact dermatitis
• Eczema-type irritation, when directed by a healthcare provider
• Minor inflamed skin conditions with itching, burning, or discomfort
• Localized skin irritation where both anti-inflammatory and anti-itch relief are needed

It may also be used in certain sensitive external areas when prescribed by a clinician, but it should be used only as directed.

Epifoam helps relieve symptoms; it does not treat infections, fungal conditions, viral rashes, or the underlying cause if the irritation is due to something requiring a different medication.

How Epifoam Works

Epifoam works through two active ingredients:

1. Hydrocortisone Acetate 1%

Hydrocortisone acetate is a low-potency topical corticosteroid.

It works by reducing inflammatory chemicals in the skin. This helps decrease:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching
• Warmth
• Irritation
• Inflammatory discomfort

Corticosteroids help calm immune-related skin inflammation, which is why they are useful for many itchy rashes and dermatitis-type conditions.

2. Pramoxine Hydrochloride 1%

Pramoxine hydrochloride is a topical local anesthetic/anti-itch agent.

It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals in the skin that transmit itching and pain sensations. This helps reduce:

• Itching
• Burning
• Stinging
• Tenderness
• Mild pain or discomfort

Together, hydrocortisone and pramoxine provide both anti-inflammatory and symptom-relieving effects.

Active Ingredients

Each gram of Epifoam typically contains:

• Hydrocortisone acetate 1% Purpose: Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid

• Pramoxine hydrochloride 1% Purpose: Topical anesthetic / anti-itch agent

Inactive Ingredients

Inactive ingredients may vary slightly depending on the current manufacturer labeling, so the package insert should be checked for the exact formulation.

Epifoam formulations may contain inactive ingredients such as:

• Cetyl alcohol
• Stearyl alcohol
• Propylene glycol
• Purified water
• Preservatives such as methylparaben and propylparaben
• Emulsifying or stabilizing agents
• pH-adjusting agents
• Aerosol propellant

Because it is supplied in an aerosol foam container, it also contains pressurized propellant. The can should be handled carefully and kept away from excessive heat or flame.

How to Use Epifoam Foam Spray

Use Epifoam exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider and according to the product label.

General application steps

1. Shake the can well before use, if directed by the label.
2. Clean and gently dry the affected area.
3. Hold the container as instructed on the label.
4. Dispense a small amount of foam.
5. Apply a thin layer to the affected area.
6. Gently spread the foam over the irritated skin.
7. Wash your hands after application unless the hands are being treated.

Typical frequency

Epifoam is commonly applied 3 to 4 times daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Do not use more often, in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

Important Application Precautions

For external use only

Epifoam should be used only on the skin unless your clinician specifically directs otherwise.

Avoid contact with:

• Eyes
• Mouth
• Nose
• Inside the vagina or rectum unless specifically instructed
• Open mucous membranes

If the product gets into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Do not use on certain skin problems unless directed

Do not apply Epifoam to:

• Deep wounds
• Puncture wounds
• Animal bites
• Serious burns
• Untreated bacterial infections
• Fungal infections
• Viral skin infections such as herpes or chickenpox lesions
• Areas with pus, spreading redness, warmth, or significant swelling

Steroids can sometimes worsen infections or mask signs of infection.

Avoid occlusive dressings

Do not cover the treated area with tight bandages, plastic wrap, or airtight dressings unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Occlusion can increase steroid absorption and raise the risk of side effects.

Aerosol Safety Warnings

Because Epifoam comes in a pressurized aerosol container:

• Do not puncture or burn the can.
• Do not expose it to high heat.
• Keep away from open flame.
• Do not store near heat sources.
• Do not spray near fire or while smoking.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Follow the storage and disposal instructions on the can.

Possible Side Effects

Epifoam is generally well tolerated when used as directed, but side effects can occur.

Common local side effects

Possible application-site effects include:

• Mild burning
• Stinging
• Itching
• Dryness
• Redness
• Irritation
• Tingling or numbness
• Skin tenderness

These effects may be temporary, especially when first applied.

Corticosteroid-related skin side effects

With excessive use, prolonged use, use on thin skin, use under occlusion, or use over large areas, hydrocortisone may cause:

• Skin thinning
• Easy bruising
• Stretch marks
• Acne-like bumps
• Increased hair growth in the area
• Lightening or darkening of the skin
• Perioral dermatitis
• Worsening rosacea
• Delayed wound healing
• Secondary skin infection

Although hydrocortisone is considered a low-potency steroid, these risks increase with improper or long-term use.

Allergic or sensitivity reactions

Stop using Epifoam and contact a healthcare provider if you develop:

• Worsening redness
• Rash
• Severe itching
• Swelling
• Hives
• Blistering
• Severe burning
• Signs of allergic contact dermatitis

Seek urgent medical care if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or dizziness.

Systemic Side Effects — Rare but Possible

Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed through the skin, especially when used:

• Over large areas
• For long periods
• Under occlusive dressings
• On broken or inflamed skin
• In children

Rare systemic corticosteroid effects may include:

• Adrenal suppression
• Cushingoid features
• Increased blood sugar
• Slowed growth in children
• Thinning skin over large areas

These are uncommon with appropriate short-term use, but they are important to understand.

Who Should Use Caution

Ask a healthcare provider before using Epifoam if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are treating a child
• Have diabetes
• Have poor circulation
• Have a skin infection
• Have very thin or fragile skin
• Have a history of steroid sensitivity
• Are using other topical corticosteroids
• Are applying it to the face, groin, underarms, or large body areas

Children are more sensitive to systemic effects from topical steroids because they absorb proportionally more medication through the skin.

When to Call a Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms do not improve within several days
• Symptoms worsen
• The rash spreads
• The skin becomes warm, swollen, painful, or drains pus
• You develop fever
• Irritation returns after stopping treatment
• You need to use it longer than prescribed
• You suspect an infection or allergic reaction

Epifoam should not be used as a substitute for medical care when a rash is severe, persistent, infected, or unexplained.

Storage

Store Epifoam:

• At controlled room temperature
• Away from heat and direct sunlight
• Away from open flame
• With the cap securely in place
• Out of reach of children and pets

Do not puncture, crush, or incinerate the aerosol can.

Epifoam Foam Spray by Viatris Specialty is a topical foam containing hydrocortisone acetate 1% and pramoxine hydrochloride 1%. It is used to relieve itching, redness, inflammation, burning, and discomfort from certain minor inflammatory skin conditions. Hydrocortisone reduces inflammation, while pramoxine helps numb itch and pain signals. It should be applied only as directed, avoided in the eyes and on infected or serious wounds, and used cautiously on children, large areas, or sensitive skin. Potential side effects include local irritation, dryness, burning, allergic reaction, and steroid-related skin changes with prolonged or excessive use.