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" What is\u00A0Locoid scalp lotion used for? Locoid scalp lotion is used to treat a variety of inflammatory skin disorders that affect the scalp, such as those listed below, when milder corticosteroids have not been effective.    Eczema and dermatitis affecting the scalp.   Psoriasis affecting the scalp.   How does\u00A0Locoid scalp lotion work? Locoid scalp lotion contains the active ingredient hydrocortisone butyrate, which is a type of medicine called a topical corticosteroid.  Corticosteroids are medicines used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation of the skin happens as a result of allergy or irritation of the skin, and is caused by the release of various substances that are important in the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen and result in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful, such as is seen in dermatitis or eczema. When hydrocortisone is applied to the skin it works by acting inside the cells to decrease the release of these inflammatory substances. This reduces swelling, redness and itch.  There is a range of potencies of corticosteroids applied to the skin. Hydrocortisone butyrate is classed as a potent corticosteroid. (It is not the same as hydrocortisone that can be bought without a prescription - it is a much stronger form of hydrocortisone.) It is prescribed to treat severe inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis that have not responded to weaker corticosteroids.  Locoid scalp lotion is thinner and easier to apply to the scalp than the Locoid ointments and creams used on the rest of the body. It is used to treat severe inflammatory disorders of the scalp.\u00A0 How do I use Locoid scalp lotion?  The lotion should be applied thinly to the areas of the scalp that need treating using the nozzle of the bottle. You should then gently massage it in and leave it to dry. The medicine will be left on the scalp - it should not be washed off. If you need to wash your hair you should wash and dry your hair before applying the scalp lotion. Take care to avoid the scalp application running onto the face or into the eyes. Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs. Avoid applying it to broken skin. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine to avoid accidentally transferring it to other areas. The lotion is usually applied twice a day. As soon as the condition starts to improve, you should use it less frequently, as directed by your doctor. If there is no improvement in your scalp after two to four weeks of treatment you should consult your doctor. Repeat courses maybe necessary to control flare-ups of psoriasis or eczema, but should only be started on the advice of your doctor.  Important information about Locoid scalp lotion  Locoid scalp lotion contains flammable alcohol. Do not use it near naked flames or lit objects, such as gas and electric fires and lit cigarettes, or near other sources of heat such as hairdryers.  Locoid scalp lotion is only for external use on the scalp only. It must not be used on the face or any other part of the body apart from the scalp. Apply the lotion thinly to the affected areas of the scalp. If corticosteroids are used long-term, on large areas of skin, raw or broken skin, skin folds, or under airtight dressings they are absorbed into the body more. This increases the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning, and those on other parts of the body, such as a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible, particularly in children and on large areas of skin. You should only use airtight dressings over the affected area if instructed by your doctor. If there is no improvement in your skin after two to four weeks of treatment you should consult your doctor. If used in infants, wherever possible this medicine should not be used for longer than seven days. You should not use airtight dressings to cover the area treated. Children being treated with this medicine should be reviewed by the doctor at least once a week. If you think the skin on your scalp has become infected you should stop using this medicine and consult your doctor.  Locoid scalp lotion should be used with caution in  Children.  Psoriasis. If you have been prescribed this medicine to treat psoriasis you should have regular check-ups with your doctor. This is because although corticosteroids may be useful for psoriasis in the short-term, they can sometimes make psoriasis worse, and may cause the condition to relapse into generalised pustular psoriasis after the treatment is stopped.  Locoid scalp lotion should not be used in  Bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo. Fungal skin infections such as thrush, ringworm, athlete&amp;#039;s foot. Viral skin infections, such as chickenpox, shingles, cold sores or herpes simplex.  Acne. Chronic inflammatory disorder of the facial skin (acne rosacea). Inflammatory rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis). Widespread plaque psoriasis.  This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.\u00A0Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Pregnancy and breastfeeding Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.  This medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information.  Possible side effects of\u00A0Locoid scalp lotion Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. The following side effects are known to be associated with this medicine.   Skin irritation at site of application, such as burning, itching and redness.  Allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis).  Thinning of the skin.  Changes in skin pigmentation. Stretch marks (striae). Groupings of fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin (telangiectasia). Prolonged use of this medicine on extensive areas of skin, broken or raw skin, skin folds or underneath airtight dressings may on rare occasions result in enough corticosteroid being absorbed to have side effects on other parts of the body, for example a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands - see warning section above.  This list may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine&amp;#039;s manufacturer.\u00A0For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you think you have experienced a side effect from a medicine or vaccine you should check the patient information leaflet. This lists the known side effects and what to do if you get them. You can also get advice from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. If they think it&amp;#039;s necessary they&amp;#039;ll report it for you. You can also report side effects yourself using the yellow card website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. How can\u00A0Locoid scalp lotion affect other medicines? This medicine is not known to affect other medicines. However, as with all medicines, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already using, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicines while using this one, to make sure that the combination is safe.  If you are using other medicines or moisturisers on the same area of skin it is recommended that you leave several minutes between applying each product. This is to allow each product time to be absorbed and avoid them mixing on the skin.  Other medicines containing the same active ingredient  Locoid cream/ointment Locoid crelo Locoid lipocream  Further reading For background information about our medicine factsheets, including the references used to produce them, click here. Last updated 20.03.2011 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-and-hair/a7024/locoid-scalp-lotion-hydrocortisone-butyrate/>