Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Locoid Scalp Lotion
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Hydrocortisone butyrate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for Locoid Scalp Lotion contains the active substance hydrocortisone butyrate. This is a corticosteroid which when made up as a lotion is for use on the skin. This is known as topical application. Corticosteroid creams, ointments and other topical preparations come in four different potencies or strengths. These are known as mild, moderately potent, potent or very potent. Healthcare professionals will usually refer to topical corticosteroid potency rather than strength. A potent or strong corticosteroid has a much stronger effect than a mild corticosteroid when using the same amount. The percentage of active ingredient that is sometimes included on product packaging does not indicate potency. Locoid Scalp Lotion is classed a moderate corticosteroid. Your healthcare professional will prescribe or advise a steroid of the appropriate potency for your condition. Topical corticosteroids are able to reduce the inflammation caused by a variety of skin conditions, and so allow it to get better. They can also affect the cause of the condition, which can lead to its healing. Locoid Scalp Lotion is indicated in adults, children and infants above 3 months of age. It is used to treat a variety of skin conditions which are not caused by micro-organisms, such as eczema and dermatitis (itching) of all types, but it is used in particular in the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp. This is a condition resulting in thickening of areas of the scalp. It can also be used for the treatment of seborrhoea capitis, a condition causing redness and inflammation of the scalp, and scaling of the scalp with crusted patches, often with severe dandruff. It is not suitable for treating large areas of psoriasis of the scalp. You should let your doctor review your progress regularly as treatment of psoriasis needs careful supervision. The original symptoms may return if you stop using Locoid Scalp Lotion prematurely.
What you need to know before you take it
e Locoid Scalp Lotion Do not use Locoid Scalp Lotion:
- if you are allergic to hydrocortisone butyrate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
- if your skin disorder is caused by an untreated bacterial, viral (e.g. cold sores, herpes, chicken pox), fungal (e.g. athlete's foot), yeast or parasitic (e.g. ringworm) infection. Locoid Scalp Lotion may worsen or hide these disorders. Your doctor will check these.
- if you have skin problems associated with syphilis (a sexually transmitted disease) or tuberculosis.
- if the skin around your mouth is inflamed (perioral dermatitis). It might be the result of previous treatment with corticosteroids.
- if you have pimples or spots (acne).
- if you have redness of the facial skin.
- if for treating areas other than the scalp. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor before using Locoid Scalp Lotion. This is especially important if you intend to:
- treat facial skin, thin skin (e.g. skin of your genitals). These areas of your skin are particularly sensitive to corticosteroids. You should not apply to your eyes or your eyelids.
- use Locoid Scalp Lotion at skin folds, under an airtight dressing or on large areas of your skin. If you are using Locoid Scalp Lotion under bandages, it should only be on small areas for a short time, and only on the advice of your doctor. Bandages and dressings should not be used on babies or children.
- treat your child (see further information below).
- use it for psoriasis. Topical corticosteroids can be effective in psoriasis in the short term. The condition may relapse or significantly worsen on stopping treatment and there is a risk of widespread pustular psoriasis. This is a condition where the psoriasis spreads and becomes very inflamed. In order to minimise side effects Locoid Scalp Lotion should only be used on small areas of psoriasis. If your doctor has prescribed Locoid Scalp Lotion to treat psoriasis, you should let your doctor review your progress regularly as such treatment needs careful supervision.
- use it on an area where you have previously had a skin infection. During treatment: Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances. If there is a worsening of your condition during use consult your prescriber – you may be experiencing an allergic reaction, have an infection or your condition requires a different treatment. If you experience a recurrence of your condition shortly after stopping treatment, within 2 weeks, do not restart using the cream/ointment without consulting your prescriber unless your prescriber has previously advised you to do so. If your condition has resolved and on recurrence the redness extends beyond the initial treatment area and you experience a burning sensation, please seek medical advice before restarting treatment.
Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. Children and adolescents Long term treatment of children should be avoided. In infants treatment should be limited to a maximum of seven days. Bandages and dressings should not be used on babies or children. Other medicines and Locoid Scalp Lotion Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding You should not use Locoid Scalp Lotion if you are pregnant or breast-feeding unless clearly necessary. There may be a small risk of harm to your baby if you use any corticosteroid lotion whilst pregnant, so if your doctor does prescribe it for you knowing you are pregnant, you should not use it in large amounts for a long time. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. Driving and using machines Locoid Scalp Lotion is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines.
How to take it
Locoid Scalp Lotion Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure. If your scalp problem does not improve, you should go back to your doctor. The recommended dose of Locoid Scalp Lotion is no more than twice daily. Do not use Locoid Scalp Lotion near a naked flame. This medicine is for cutaneous use. Apply a thin layer of Locoid Scalp Lotion to the affected skin. Gently massage the lotion into the affected area. On advice of your doctor you may have to apply Locoid Scalp Lotion under an airtight dressing in order to obtain a better result. Always wash your hands after using Locoid Scalp Lotion. If you use more Locoid Scalp Lotion than you should If you have used too much Locoid Scalp Lotion the side effects (as described in Section 4) can occur. Contact your doctor, pharmacist or nurse immediately. If you forget to use Locoid Scalp Lotion Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop using Locoid Scalp Lotion The original symptoms may return if you stop using Locoid Scalp Lotion prematurely. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 4. Possible side effects Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. A small number of people may be hypersensitive (allergic) to the constituents of Locoid Scalp Lotion. If your skin condition seems to get worse, the skin becomes red, itchy or irritated, tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if this becomes troublesome. If Locoid Scalp Lotion is used in moist skin areas (e.g. skin folds) the skin may become thin and damaged. Tell your doctor if this happens. Locoid Scalp Lotion may cause the following: Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
- Thinning of the skin (atrophy)
- Redness of the skin (dermatitis)
- Bruising
- Stretch marks
- Facial spots (acne)
- Redness of the skin around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)
- Worsening of the skin condition during treatment (Bounce-back effect)
- Discolouration of skin Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
- Suppression of the release of the stress hormones Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
- Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity)
- Blurred vision
- Itching (pruritus)
- Redness of the skin (erythema)
- Rash
- Application site pain
- Steroid withdrawal reaction: If used over prolonged periods a withdrawal reaction, which might appear to be different from the previous condition, may occur in some patients during treatment or within days to weeks after stopping treatment, with some or all of the following features: redness of the skin which can extend beyond the initial area treated, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin, oozing open sores
Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible
Possible side effects
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
Locoid Scalp Lotion Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the tube after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original packaging. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Locoid Scalp Lotion contains
- The active substance is hydrocortisone butyrate. Locoid Scalp Lotion contains 0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate.
- The other ingredients are isopropyl alcohol, glycerol, povidone, citric acid, sodium citrate and purified water. What Locoid Scalp Lotion looks like and contents of the pack Locoid Scalp Lotion is a clear, colourless lotion and is available in 30 ml or 100 ml plastic squeeze bottles. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder: Neon Healthcare Ltd. 8 The Chase, John Tate Road, Hertford, SG13 7NN United Kingdom Manufacturer: Temmler Italia S.r.l., Via Delle Industrie 2, 20061, Carugate (MI), Italy Further support and information for skin conditions such as eczema can be gained from: National Eczema Society 11 Murray Street, London
NW1 9RE, UK. Helpline Tel: 0800 089 1122 This leaflet was last revised in February 2025
Frequently asked questions about Locoid Scalp Lotion
What is the active substance in Locoid Scalp Lotion?
The active substance in Locoid Scalp Lotion is hydrocortisone butyrate.
Are there equivalent medicines to Locoid Scalp Lotion?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Locoid Crelo, Locoid Lipocream. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Locoid Scalp Lotion, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Locoid Scalp Lotion without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: hydrocortisone butyrate
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Locoid Scalp Lotion is indicated in adults, children and infants above 3 months of age. The product is recommended for treatment of inflammatory skin disorders not caused by micro-organisms e.g. eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
Topical corticosteroids are acceptable in psoriasis excluding widespread plaque psoriasis provided warnings are given; see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Adults and older people
A thin and even layer should be applied to the affected area of the skin, 1 to 2 times daily.
The same dose is used for adults and older people, as clinical evidence would indicate that no special dosage regimen is necessary in older people.
Paediatric population
Long term treatment, large amounts, and occlusion should be avoided.
Infants
Therapy should be limited to a maximum of seven days.
Method of administration
For cutaneous use on the scalp.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
This preparation is contraindicated in the presence of untreated viral, fungal, yeast or parasitic infections, tubercular or syphilitic lesions, peri-oral dermatitis, acne vulgaris and rosacea and in bacterial infections unless used in connection with appropriate chemotherapy.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Locoid should not be applied to the eyelids in view of the risk of glaucoma simplex or subcapsular cataract.
Keep away from the eyes.
As with all corticosteroids, application to the face, genitals, flexures and other areas of thin skin may cause skin atrophy and increased absorption and should be avoided. Hands must be washed after each application unless Locoid is used to treat the hands.
There is an increased risk of systemic and local adverse reactions in treatment of intertriginous areas, large areas of skin or, under occlusion, as well as with frequent dosing or treatment over a long period of time. Attention must be paid to the risks of systemic adverse reactions including adrenocortical suppression.
Due to the immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory effect of corticosteroids, Locoid may be associated with increased susceptibility to skin infections, aggravation of existing infection, and activation of latent infection. As such, Locoid® is contraindicated against use on infected skin and should be used with particular caution at the site of previous or suspected infections.
In some patients with psoriasis, topical corticosteroids may cause rebound relapses following development of tolerance, risk of generalised pustular psoriasis and local and systemic toxicity due to impaired barrier function of the skin. Steroids may have a place in psoriasis of the scalp and chronic plaque psoriasis of the hands and feet.
Careful patient supervision is important.
Long term use of topical steroids can result in the development of rebound flares after stopping treatment (topical steroid withdrawal syndrome). A severe form of rebound flare can develop which takes the form of a dermatitis with intense redness, stinging and burning that can spread beyond the initial treatment area. It is more likely to occur when delicate skin sites such as the face and flexures are treated. Should there be a reoccurrence of the condition within days to weeks after successful treatment a withdrawal reaction should be suspected. Reapplication should be with caution and specialist advise is recommended in these cases or other treatment options should be considered.
Visual disturbance may be reported with systemic and topical corticosteroid use. If a patient presents with symptoms such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances, the patient should be considered for referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation of possible causes which may include cataract, glaucoma or rare diseases such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) which have been reported after use of systemic and topical corticosteroids.
Instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.
The label will state moderate steroid.
Paediatric population
Although generally regarded as safe, even for long-term administration in adults, there is a potential for adverse effects if over used in infancy. Extreme caution is required in dermatoses of infancy. In such patients courses of treatment should not normally exceed 7 days.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No interaction studies have been performed.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There are no or limited amount of data from the use of hydrocortisone butyrate in pregnant women.
Animal studies are insufficient with respect to reproductive toxicity of hydrocortisone 17-butyrate (see section 5.3). Although, animal studies have shown the more potent corticosteroids to be teratogenic after dermal application, the clinical relevance in humans has not been established.
Therefore, during pregnancy Locoid® should only be used when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether hydrocortisone 17-butyrate/metabolites are present in maternal milk following topical application.
The use of Locoid during breastfeeding is not expected to affect breastfed infants since the systemic absorption of topically applied hydrocortisone 17-butyrate is low.
Locoid can be used during breastfeeding, but it is recommended to avoid applying Locoid directly on the breast.
Fertility
No animal or human data on Locoid and fertility is available.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None known.
4.8. Undesirable effects
In clinical studies, cases of skin irritation and hypersensitivity were reported.
The most frequently reported adverse reactions post-marketing are hypersensitivity and skin reactions such as erythema, pruritus and skin infection.
Adverse reactions are listed by MedDRA System Organ Class.
Frequencies are defined as very rare (<1/10,000), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000 ), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), common (≥ 1/100 to <1/10), very common (≥1/10), and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
System Organ Class
Rare
>/10,000,<1/1000
Very rare
</10,000
Not known
(cannot be estimated from the available data)
Immune system disorders
Hypersensitivity
Endocrine disorders
Adrenal suppression
Eye disorders
Vision, blurred*
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Skin atrophy**
Dermatitis***
Telangiectasia
Skin striae
Purpura
Acne
Perioral dermatitis
Skin depigmentation
Pruritus
Erythema
Rash
Withdrawal reactions
General disorders and administration site conditions
Rebound effect
Application site pain
*See also section 4.4
**often irreversible, with thinning of the epidermis
***Dermatitis and eczema, including contact dermatitis
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders – Frequency not known:
Withdrawal reactions - redness of the skin which may extend to areas beyond the initial affected area, burning or stinging sensation, itch, skin peeling, oozing pustules. (see section 4.4)
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
Excessive use under occlusive dressings may produce adrenal suppression. No special procedures or antidote. Treat any adverse effects symptomatically.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Locoid Scalp Lotion. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.