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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Hydrocortisone butyrate

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Hydrocortisone butyrate

  • Hydrocortisone butyrate should not be used on broken or infected skin including cold sores, acne, rosacea, chickenpox, ringworm, thrush or athlete's foot
  • You only need to use a small amount of this preparation. It should be applied thinly and massaged gently into the skin until it disappears.
  • Topical corticosteroids should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body, especially in children. In infants the preparation should not normally be used for more than 7 days.

About hydrocortisone butyrate

Type of medicineTopical corticosteroid
Used forInflammatory skin conditions such as severe eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis
Also calledLocoid
Locoid Lipocream
Locoid Crelo
Available asCream
Ointment
Scalp lotion
Topical emulsion

Hydrocortisone butyrate is a potent topical corticosteroid. When applied to the skin, hydrocortisone butyrate reduces swelling, itching and redness by preventing the release of chemicals that cause these symptoms. Hydrocortisone butyrate is not a cure for your condition, but will help relieve the symptoms.

Before using hydrocortisone butyrate

Before using hydrocortisone butyrate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are suffering from any skin infections or other skin conditions.

How to use hydrocortisone butyrate

  • Wash the affected area of skin and dry well, removing all traces of soap.
  • You only need to use a small amount of this preparation. It should be applied thinly and massaged gently into the skin until it disappears.
  • One fingertip unit (a line from the tip of an adult index finger to the first crease) is enough to cover an area twice the size of an adult hand.
  • Never apply more than the quantity advised by your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If your symptoms do not begin to improve after using this preparation for 2 - 4 weeks or if they get worse, check with your pharmacist or doctor.
  • Hydrocortisone butyrate should not be used on broken or infected skin including cold sores, acne, rosacea, chickenpox, ringworm, thrush or athlete's foot.
  • Do not allow this preparation to come into contact with mucous membranes (e.g. the mouth, vagina or the inside of the nose).
  • Do not allow this preparation to come into contact with the face unless directed to do so by your doctor.
  • Avoid contact with the eyes.
  • Topical corticosteroids should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body, especially in children. In infants the preparation should not normally be used for more than 7 days.
  • Unless advised to do so by your doctor, do not apply a bandage or dressing to the area being treated as this will increase absorption of the preparation and increase side effects.
  • Do not use this preparation under a nappy in children as this will increase absorption of the preparation and increase side effects.

Can hydrocortisone butyrate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Possible side-effects of hydrocortisone butyrate:

Side-effectsWhat can I do if I experience this
Thinning of the skin, damaged or oily skin, acne, increased facial hair, red marks on the face, arms, legs or trunkSpeak to your doctor immediately if you notice any of these side-effects

Important: If your skin becomes red, itchy or irritated, or if your condition becomes worse, tell your doctor immediately.

If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store hydrocortisone butyrate

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before using this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has used too much, or swallowed this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
4150		DocRef:
dils3912		Last Reviewed:
19 Jun 2007		Version:
2
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