Developed and marketed by Astellas pharmaceutical company in the UK, Locoid is a corticosteroid scalp lotion that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis. Highly adept at providing relief from symptoms of this chronic skin condition, Locoid scalp lotion will act by inhibiting the activity of inhibitory chemicals that are released during an autoimmune response and that cause irritation and characteristic symptoms. If you are looking to buy Locoid scalp lotion online in the UK, you should also keep in mind that this is a prescription only medication that can be obtained legally only with a valid prescription issued by a certified medical expert.

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Is Locoid right for me?

Locoid lotion is commonly prescribed for the treatments of chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. So, if you are struggling with some of these problems, Locoid might be the treatment that will bring your symptoms under control.

However, as a potent corticosteroid medication, Locoid can be obtained in the UK only with a prescription and the doctors will avoid prescribing it if there are indications that your condition can be managed in a different and less invasive way. In case of psoriasis this usually includes making an effort to curb exposure to various irritants known to cause psoriasis flare ups. These include:

  • Irritants in the cosmetic products
  • Stress
  • Tobacco consumption
  • Excessive alcohol consumptions

Psoriasis exacerbations have also been linked to side effects of certain medications as well as underlying medical conditions. Prior to recommending the use of Locoid lotion, the doctor will first try to exclude other possible causes of the condition. If, however, your psoriasis can be traced to some of the mentioned causes, prescription medications might not be necessary and the treatment will instead be focused on lifestyle changes, finding alternatives to medications causing the problem or treating the underlying condition.

Even if your psoriasis cannot be traced to exact cause (which will qualify you for using prescription medications such as Locoid), the doctor is most likely to recommend lifestyle changes as the primary method of dealing with the condition, and prescribing medications only if the results are absent.

It is also important to note that Locoid has been developed for application to the scalp and it is not recommended for psoriasis affecting other parts of the body like knees or elbows. For those cases, you will be required to use some other more suitable treatment such as Metosyn.

How does Locoid treat psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition and as such, it cannot be cured, only managed with the use of prescription medications such as Locoid.

While the root cause of the condition is still unknown, the medical community agrees that autoimmune response plays a crucial role in causing the symptoms. Once the body mistakenly detects an infection that is not really present, the immune system will begin releasing inflammatory chemicals that will cause skin irritation, itching and redness.

In time, the continuous presence of inflammatory compounds will cause new skin cells to be produced faster than the old ones are shed, leading to characteristic scaly appearance of the skin and flaking.

Thanks to its active ingredient, a corticosteroid called hydrocortisone butyrate, Locoid scalp lotion will inhibit the activity of these chemicals, thus providing relief from the symptoms.

Can I buy Locoid online in the UK?

As a potent corticosteroid lotion, Locoid is strictly controlled and can be legally obtained only with a valid prescription issued by a certified medical professional. However, this will be no obstacle if you decide to buy Locoid scalp lotion online in the UK due to a number of online clinics working within the country. If you are eligible for using this type of treatment, the way of getting your medication online will be no different from the traditional route, with the central difference being that Locoid will be simply delivered to you – no appointments with a doctor and no waiting in line at the pharmacy!

You will still be required to consult with a doctor prior to obtaining a prescription. These consultations will mostly revolve around a specialised and detailed medical questionnaire that you will be asked to fill in upon visiting the website of the online clinic of your choice. Using the information provided, the doctor will assess your suitability for using Locoid.

If everything checks out, the doctor will issue a prescription and have the medication sent from the partner pharmacy to the address you provided during the sign up process. The doctor will also provide you with certain instructions and other tips that you should keep in mind while using Locoid.

How to use Locoid?

In order to ensure best possible results with Locoid, while at the same time minimising the risk of experiencing side effects, you should make sure that you have all the relevant knowledge regarding proper use of this psoriasis treatment. While your doctor will probably provide you with certain advices, a detailed guideline can be found in the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of Locoid scalp lotion.

  • Always use exactly as instructed
  • A thin layer of the lotion should be applied to the affected area of the scalp and gently rubbed in
  • Maximum daily dose is two applications per day, at least several hours apart
  • Locoid is designed specifically to be used on the scalp – do not use it on other affected body parts
  • If there is no improvement, consult your doctor
  • Never exceed the prescribed dose
  • If you forgot to apply Locoid scalp lotion, skip that dose and carry on with the treatment as usual, without attempting to compensate for the missed dose

Please keep in mind that the list above is just a summary of some of the most central guidelines and as such it cannot be used as a substitute for the official information nor the doctor’s advice. For a detailed step-by-step guide, please consult the patient information leaflet.

What are Locoid side effects?

As all prescription medication, Locoid can also cause side effects in people who are especially susceptible to them. And while not everyone using this psoriasis treatment will encounter adverse effects, it is still recommended to get familiar with them prior to commencing Locoid treatment. By doing so, you will ensure you will be able to act accordingly if there is the need to do so.

Rare (1 in 1000 users) Very rare (1 in 10.000 users)
·       Thinning of the skin

·       Redness of the skin

·       Bruising

·       Stretch marks

·       Facial spots

·       Redness around the mouth

·       Skin discolouration

·       Suppression of the stress hormones

·       Worsening of psoriasis following treatment

 

 

 

 

Please note that this is not a full list of all documented Locoid side effects. For a more comprehensive overview, please consult the patient information leaflet.