Dermatitis, eczema - problems that many people face. Every day people with various skin diseases turn to dermatologists. And quite often, the only treatment is to use hormonal drugs.
Modern pharmaceutical companies offer a huge selection of drugs that can eliminate the skin manifestations of certain diseases. For example, today the drug “Lokoid” (lipocream) is becoming increasingly popular. According to surveys, this remedy really quickly helps get rid of the external symptoms of the disease, while rarely causing serious side effects.
Therefore, many patients are interested in additional information about this drug? What is Lokoid medicine (lipocream)? Instructions, reviews, indications and contraindications - all this is very important information, which is worth reading.
The composition and form of the drug
The drug "Lokoid" (lipocream) is a homogeneous white substance with a faint odor. The main active component here is hydrocortisone butyrate - a synthetic hormonal substance. 1 g of cream contains 1 mg of active substance.
Naturally, the preparation also contains auxiliary components, in particular liquid paraffin, cetomacrogol, soft white paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol, as well as anhydrous citric acid, purified water, benzyl alcohol, anhydrous sodium citrate and propyl parahydroxybenzoate.
Also, the drug is available in the form of an ointment, which is an almost colorless, viscous substance. The main component here is the same - hydrocortisone 17-butyrate. But as auxiliary components, polyethylene and liquid paraffin are used.
The main pharmacological properties
Today, many patients are interested in the question of what is Lokoid (lipocream). Instructions, price, indications and contraindications for use are very important points. But no less important is information about the main properties of this drug.
So, Lokoid is an anti-inflammatory hormone, the main active ingredient of which is synthetic glucocorticoid. The drug has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. It also quickly relieves itching, swelling and soreness, which are usually accompanied by skin diseases.
It is worth noting that the metabolism and excretion of this drug occurs in the surface layers of the skin. Only a small amount of active substances penetrates the systemic circulation, where it is utilized in the liver. Long-term use of the cream in combination with occlusive dressings can lead to an increase in plasma glucocorticoids.
Indications for use
The drug "Lokoid" (lipocream) is prescribed to patients who suffer from superficial skin lesions, but only if they are not complicated by various types of infections. In particular, the medicine helps with any type of dermatitis, including seborrheic, atopic and contact. The cream also helps get rid of the skin symptoms of psoriasis. The indications also include erythroderma and photodermatosis. The medicine is effective for anogenital itching, seborrhea, pruritus, and lichen planus.
The drug "Lokoid" (lipocream): instructions for use
In no case should you use the cream on your own - only a doctor can prescribe such a hormonal drug and make the most effective treatment schedule. So how to apply Lipocream "Lokoid"?
The instructions here are quite simple. A small amount of cream should be applied to the affected area of the skin with gentle massage movements. Depending on the severity of symptoms, the procedure should be repeated 1-3 times a day. As the condition improves, the dose is gradually reduced to 2-3 times a week. If the cream does not have the necessary effect, then the treated area of the skin can be closed with occlusive dressings. The maximum weekly dose of the cream is 60 g (2 tubes).
The drug should not be applied to the skin if its integrity is impaired. In addition, the drug cannot be used to treat the skin around the eyes, as this can lead to the development of glaucoma and other unpleasant consequences. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor, but, as a rule, therapy lasts no more than 14 days.
Lokoid ointment: rules of use
In some cases, doctors prescribe a drug in the form of an ointment to patients. How to use it correctly? In fact, you need to apply this form of medication in the same way as Lokoid (lipocream). Ointment in a small amount is applied to inflamed, affected areas of the skin, if necessary covering with a bandage. The procedure is repeated 1-3 times a day, gradually reducing the dose.
It is worth noting that the long-term use of this drug, especially when it comes to its large quantities, increases the likelihood of side effects, and can also cause the body to become addicted to a hormonal substance.
Are there any contraindications?
Are there any contraindications to the use of the drug “Lokoid” (lipocream)? Instructions for use confirm that not all categories of patients can use this tool. In particular, it is not prescribed if you are allergic to any of the constituent components. In addition, the cream can not be applied to the skin with scratches, scuffs and open wounds.
Contraindications include viral, bacterial and fungal skin lesions, as well as rosacea, acne, parasitic skin diseases, the presence of malignant or benign neoplasms. The cream should not be treated in the presence of lesions associated with tuberculosis or syphilis.
Possible adverse reactions and complications
What side effects can a Lokoid lipocream cause? The instruction indicates that complications are possible, and their list is quite impressive. Such hormonal preparations can cause adverse reactions of two types - local (occur at the place of application of the ointment or cream) and systemic (penetrating the blood, hormonal substances affect the work of the whole body).
Local effects include skin irritation, dryness, burning sensation and itching. More rarely, erythema, acne, contact dermatitis, and sweating appear on the skin. Complications also include a change in pigmentation, atrophy of skin tissues, an increase in the amount of hair, as well as the appearance of stretch marks.
As for the systemic effects, therapy can lead to damage to the digestive tract (ulcers, pancreatitis, bleeding), skin (petechiae, increased fragility, change in pigmentation), nervous system (headaches, depressive states, mood swings, convulsions). Other systemic side effects include joint pain, osteoporosis, obesity, muscle weakness, increased pressure, swelling, and menstrual irregularities.
Despite such an impressive list, you should not be afraid of complications, as they are rarely recorded in medical practice. As a rule, the appearance of side effects is associated with the use of too much of the drug or long-term therapy.
Features of the use of the drug in the treatment of children
Many parents are interested in the question of whether it is possible to use Lokoid (lipocream) to treat a child. In fact, dermatologists often prescribe this drug to children older than six months to treat certain severe skin lesions (including chronic ones). Of course, in this case, you must follow all precautions.
As in the case of adult patients, doctors recommend treating the affected areas of the skin with a small amount of cream 1-3 times a day. Moreover, at a time it is impossible to cover with the medicine more than 20% of the baby's skin, as this increases the likelihood of developing serious side effects. As soon as the first improvements appear, the dose is gradually reduced to 2-3 procedures per week, after which the drug is completely canceled.
The drug "Likoid" during pregnancy
Many patients are interested in questions about whether it is possible to use Lokoid (lipocream) during pregnancy. It is immediately worth noting that only a doctor can prescribe this medicine and only if the benefit for the woman significantly exceeds the possible risk for a growing child. The fact is that the active components of the drug penetrate the placenta and can affect the fetus.
Despite the danger, in some cases it is impossible to do without a hormonal drug. The course of therapy should in no case exceed 7-10 days, and the doctor, and the patient herself, must carefully monitor any changes in the state of health and well-being. Pregnant women are not recommended to treat large areas of skin with a cream (too large a dose of the medicine) or apply occlusive dressings.
How much is the medicine?
The question of the cost of a drug is important for many buyers. So how much will the drug “Lokoid” (lipocream) cost. The price of a tube with 30 g of cream is on average 300-400 rubles.
Of course, the figure may vary depending on the manufacturer, the pharmacy you use, and other factors. Of course, the cost of the drug is relatively high (there are cheaper analogues), but given that the treatment lasts no more than a few days, one tube will be enough for you.
Are there any effective analogues?
Not every patient is suitable for this particular remedy. So is it possible to replace the drug “Lokoid” (lipocream) with something? Analogues of the drug, of course, exist. For example, Laticort ointment is a good substitute, which, by the way, has almost the same composition.
There are other drugs that have the same therapeutic properties, but contain other active ingredients. In particular, doctors often prescribe such medications for external use as Triacort, Afloderm, Fluorocort, Dermoveit and many others.
Lipokrem Lokoid: reviews of doctors and patients
Of course, before using it, many people are interested in the opinions of doctors, as well as those patients who have already managed to use it on themselves. What do doctors say about the drug Lokoid? Reviews are for the most part positive. The medicine really helps to eliminate the skin manifestations of a disease. Patients notice noticeable improvements on the first day of therapy - redness and rash disappear, the skin becomes smooth and healthy looking.
On the other hand, the drug also has some disadvantages. In particular, like any hormonal agent, with prolonged use, the cream is addictive. Perhaps the occurrence of some side effects. In addition, in many patients, after drug withdrawal, problems started again. But it is worthwhile to understand that this hormonal ointment removes only the external manifestations of the disease. With dermatitis, eczema and other skin lesions, complex therapy is required, which will act on the body both externally and internally, and Lokoid cream is only part of the treatment.
It is worth mentioning that the cream is oily, so you need to use it carefully, as there may be greasy marks on clothing. The disadvantages include a relatively high price, although such a quick effect is really worth the money spent.
Now you know what the Lokoid preparation is (lipocream, ointment). Instructions for use are simple, but it is very important to follow. And remember that hormonal medications should never be used without a doctor’s prescription.