Locoid is a topical medication used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, allergies, dermatitis, and common rashes. The substance in Locoid, hydrocortisone, reduces the side effects of various skin conditions. Locoid scalp lotion can also be used to treat dandruff.

What is Locoid cream?
Locoid is a form of hydrocortisone used to reduce the interactions of chemicals within the body that cause itching, pain, discomfort and irritation in the skin. This medication can be used to treat a range of conditions as a medium-strength form of corticosteroid. Some doctors will prescribe it for allergic reactions, psoriasis, and eczema, however, it cannot be used to treat skin infections. Locoid lipocream UK is just one of the many branded versions of hydrocortisone available in topical form.
Locoid will inhibit the inflammatory reactions in the skin by interacting with the adrenal cortex hormone to reduce common symptoms experienced by many people.
What is Locoid cream used for?
Locoid is most often used for skin conditions that are associated with involuntary inflammation of the epidermis. You can use this medication if you have eczema, psoriasis, or common allergic reactions to things like pollen and dust. Inflamed skin suffering from a reaction can swell, become red and itchy, or even flake and crack. Locoid helps to calm the skin, narrowing the capillaries and blood vessels throughout your body to reduce pain and redness. Locoid may also be an effective way to fight against conditions that cause severe itching, such as insect bites. However, it isn’t intended for bites that have caused an infection. When applied topically to the scalp, it may reduce the appearance of dandruff and help the skin to appear smoother and less dry or flaky.
How to use Locoid cream to treat skin conditions
Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to provide instructions on how to use Locoid when asked (you can also check the patient leaflet the links are attached below). This medication should only be used topically. If you accidentally get this substance into your mouth, rinse thoroughly, and contact a doctor if you are concerned.
Do not use Locoid on the face, groin, or underarms unless your doctor tells you to do so. Before you apply this medication to your skin, make sure that both your hands and the area that you want to treat are clean and dry. Apply a thin film of Locoid cream to the affected area and massage it into the skin using gentle circular motions. Your doctor may recommend using this medication several times a day to get the best results. Do not cover or bandage the affected area unless a medical professional tells you to do so. If you are using Locoid on an infant in the nappy area, avoid using tight-fitting nappies.
Always wash your hands after applying Locoid and make sure that you don’t get the substance near your eyes. If you accidentally get Locoid into your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with warm water until you can see clearly. Use this medication only according to the instructions given by your doctor, and you should not use it for any longer than prescribed.
What is the correct dosage of Locoid cream?
Locoid is available in a wide range of different dosages depending on the condition that you want to treat and how your body responds to the medication. Most products will contain 1mg of hydrocortisone per ml or mg. Your doctor will determine how often you should take this medication.
The most common dose for adults and children is a thin layer of cream applied to the affected area between 1-3 times each day. Do not use this medication on yourself or children for an extended period without your doctor’s approval. If you miss a dose, simply apply the cream when you remember to do so.
Does Locoid cream have any side effects?
Most people will be able to use Locoid without noticing any severe side effects. However, all medications can have side effects at times. It is important not to panic if you experience any mild side effects, as often these will disappear on their own after your body gets used to the medication. It is common to experience itching, irritation, dryness, and redness at the application site when you first begin applying Locoid. These effects should go away by themselves in a few days – if they do not contact your doctor.
If the burning or discomfort that you feel when you apply Locoid continues for an extended period, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice on whether you should continue using the drug.
Additionally, tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious outcomes occur:
- Unusual or extreme hair growth;
- Skin thinning and discolouration;
- Stretchmarks;
- Hypersensitivity;
- Severe acne.
In rare cases, this medication can be absorbed by the skin into the bloodstream, which can lead to side effects caused by too much exposure to corticosteroid. The side effects for this are more common in younger adults and children and may include headaches, weight loss, swelling in the feet and ankles, vision problems, extreme tiredness, and increased thirst or urination. Very serious allergic reactions to this substance are rare. However, your skin may react to Locoid. If you find that you experience a rash or notice signs of swelling, contact your doctor immediately. Speak to an emergency medical professional if you have any problems with dizziness, trouble breathing, or swelling of the tongue, throat, face, or lips.
When should you not use Locoid cream?
Locoid will not be appropriate for use for every condition. Your doctor will need to conduct a full medical assessment to ensure that this substance is safe for you. Before you begin using Locoid, make sure that you are not allergic to it, or any other substances that contain corticosteroids. Tell your doctor if you have any other allergies too, just in case.
Before using this medication, you should also tell your doctor if you have any history of poor circulation or issues with your immune system. People with diabetes might not be able to take Locoid safely. You should also not use Locoid on any area of skin that is sore or affected by an open wound. In rare cases, medications that contain corticosteroids, such as Locoid, can lead to serious side effects when they are used on the body for long periods. If you apply this substance to large areas of skin for a long time, you might find that it is more difficult for your body to respond naturally to physical stress. If you are having emergency treatment or surgery, tell your doctor immediately that you are using Locoid. Although it is very unlikely, this substance can also slow down a child’s growth if used for an extended period. Speak to your doctor if you’re concerned about using this drug on a child.
Pregnancy/alcohol
During pregnancy, it is important to only use Locoid when it is necessary. Most doctors will recommend using a different treatment for your skin conditions if you are planning on becoming pregnant. At this time, doctors aren’t certain whether this medication may pass into breast milk when it is applied to the skin. Similar medications that include corticosteroids can pass into breast milk, so it’s important to speak to your doctor about your options if you are considering nursing when using Locoid.
There are currently no warnings that suggest that it may be dangerous to use Locoid alongside alcohol.
Does Locoid interact with any other medications?
Many medications, including Locoid, can interact negatively with other drugs or substances that you may be taking. Therefore it is important to tell your doctor about everything that you are taking at the same time as Locoid, even if you are using recreational drugs or over-the-counter medications. Speak to your doctor about any herbal substances or supplements that you are taking too.
Do not begin or stop using any medication before you check with your doctor first. Do not change the dose of any medication you are taking alongside Locoid without speaking to a doctor. Before you use this medication, tell your pharmacist or doctor about any additional corticosteroids that you are taking, either by mouth or in topical form. You should also be cautious taking Locoid if you are using any drugs that reduce the way the immune system works.
Where can you buy Locoid?
Locoid is available to purchase from most registered pharmacies both online and offline. You can arrange for this medication to be delivered to a local pharmacy on your behalf or ask for us to deliver it to you. We can also arrange for a free consultation with a registered doctor on your behalf. Visit Dokteronline.com to purchase Locoid cream UK online.
Can you purchase Locoid cream without a prescription?
It may not be possible to purchase Locoid and similar corticosteroid substances over the counter, and you should speak to your doctor before taking this kind of medication, to ensure that it is the right treatment for your condition. It is important that you do not take any new medication without talking to your doctor or a pharmacist first.
References
Cerner Multum, Drugs.com, online, 2019, Locoid, [Accessed on the 15th of August 2019], Available at: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/locoid.html
Drugs.com, 2018, Locoid Ointment [Accessed on the 15th of August 2019], Available at: https://www.drugs.com/pro/locoid-ointment.html
John P. Chunha, DO, FACOEP, 2017, online, Locoid Lipcream [Accessed on the 15th of August 2019], Available at: https://www.rxlist.com/locoid-lipocream-side-effects-drug-center.htm