Locoid cream contains an active substance called hydrocortisone butyrate, which helps cure skin inflammation. Cortisones are generally divided into different classes depending on its potency namely mildly potent, moderately potent, potent and very potent. Locoid cream comes under the potent class. Locoid helps treat and reduce the severity of inflammation associated with a number of skin conditions that respond to topical corticosteroids, including eczema, dermatitis, childhood (atopic) eczema and dermatitis caused by exposure to light or specific irritants. It is suitable for use in infants, children and adults. Locoid cream is also prescribed to patients with mild psoriasis, a skin condition characterised by thickening of areas around the skin. However, its application should be restricted to small areas on the hands, scalp or feet. Locoid cream should be applied in quantities and frequency directed by the GP. Excessive use and application may result in specific side effects. In addition to hydrocortisone butyrate, locoid cream contains cetostearyl alcohol, butyl parahydroxybenzoate and propyl parahydroxybenzoate. Use of locoid cream as directed by the physician helps treat inflammation. However, symptoms may return on premature withdrawal of cream use.
You may notice red, itchy and irritated skin in case you are allergic to hydrocortisone butyrate. Consult a GP in case you observe or experience any of these symptoms. Air tight dressing can also cause swelling due to excessive absorption of the cream. In addition, application of Locoid cream to moist areas may result in skin thinning and skin damage. Other common side effects include: • Thinning of the skin • Redness of the skin • Bruising and stretch marks • Facial spots • Redness of the skin around the mouth • Discolouration of skin • Suppression of the release of the stress hormones If any of these symptoms arise, stop the applicaton of the cream and get advice from a GP as soon as possible. Special care should be taken to ensure that only a thin, even layer is applied over the affected area. Rare side effects like extreme thinness and redness of the skin is usually the result of excess absorption of the cream. An allergy to other ingredients in the cream may result in local and allergic reactions. You should contact the GP under such circumstances.
Locoid cream is only meant for external application.. Apply a thin layer of cream is applied over the affected areas, but make sure not to apply the cream for more than twice a day. In addition, it is essential to ensure that hands are thoroughly cleaned before the application of the medicine. Make sure not to apply excess amount of Locoid cream to the affected area. Excessive absorption of corticosteroids may lead to adverse side effects. In addition, limit long term use on large areas of the skin to a short interval of time as per the doctor’s instructions. Avoid applying the cream under an airtight dressing, but it applied under specific directions given by the GP. Limit the usage of the cream to seven days in case of facial application. In case of infants, usage should not exceed seven days. Nappies can also cause increased absorption as it acts as an airtight dressing. Therefore, special care should be taken to avoid the same. A weekly visit to a GP is advised in case of children and infants. In the case of psoriasis, corticosteroids are good for short term usage, but can cause adverse reactions if used for an extended period of time. If the affected area does not get better, stop the application of Locoid immediately and the GP should be consulted. Locoid should not be used when affected by bacterial skin infections like impetigo or fungal infections like ringworm, thrush and athlete’s foot. Its use is also unsuitable in case of viral infections like chicken pox and herpes. Avoid Locoid use in case of acne and severe cases of psoriasis, as it could lead to further inflammation of the facial skin.
Corticosteroids are used to treat skin inflammations caused by diseases like eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and photodermatitis. Usually inflammation of the skin is caused by the release of substances that are a part of the immune system. Such substances widen the blood vessels, which, in turn, results in redness of the area. The affected area becomes itchy and painful, leading to a swollen appearance. When a hydrocortisone is applied to the affected area, it permeates the cells to stop the release of these inflammatory substances. This inhibits the widening of the skin cells and helps reduce itching and swelling.
