Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a rash that makes the skin red and itchy. The term atopic refers to a general condition that affects the immune system, such as asthma and hay fever. Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. Eczema can occur at any age, but is more common in children. Atopic dermatitis is chronic and occurs suddenly. In some types of eczema, blisters may also form. There is no cure for atopic dermatitis, but treatments can help prevent symptoms.
Causes of Eczema:
Some common causes of eczema are:
- Allergens
- Microbes
- Food and Dairy products
- Hormones
- Temperature(hot & cold)
- Stress (not cause but it worsens the symptoms of eczema)
Symptoms of Eczema:
Signs and symptoms of eczema vary greatly from person to person and include:
- Dry skin
- Itching that can be severe especially at night
- Raw, rough, swollen, cracked skin
- Thickened, cracked and scaly skin
- Bumps on the skin
- Crusting skin
- Swelling
- Depression or anxiety
- Asthma
- Sleep loss
- Skin colour change
- Patches on the skin which are red or brownish-grey
- Sore skin
Treatment of Eczema:
Locoid cream is primarily used to reduce itching, swelling and also redness which is caused due to different skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis and different kinds of allergies etc. Locoid is available in its generic form as well and Locoid cream generic is Hydrocortisone butyrate. Locoid is referred to as medium strength corticosteroid.
Locoid cream Ingredients:
- Locoid cream ingredients included an active ingredient which is Hydrocortisone butyrate.
- Locoid cream ingredients also include some excipients like:
● Sodium Citrate
● Citric Acid
● Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate
● Butyl Parahydroxybenzoate
etc.
Locoid Cream Uses:
- Locoid cream uses in treatment of many skin related issues like:
• Allergies
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis
• Inflammation
• Rash etc.
- Its topical solution is used to treat seborrheic dermatitis(severe form of dandruff).
- Locoid cream reduces the sensation of itching, swelling and redness which is caused due to skin related issues.
Dupixent(Dupilumab): Proficient injection that treats Eczema
Dupixent belongs to a group of medicines called interleukin inhibitors. Dupixent is used to treat severe eczema that cannot be treated with medication. The generic name for Dupixent is Dupilumab. It is a monoclonal antibody used to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Dupixent Uses:
Some important dupixent uses are;
It is used to treat:
- severe eczema (can’t be treated by topical medications).
- asthma which can’t be treated with asthma medicines (Combination therapy).
- asthma in adults and children of age at least 6 years.
- chronic rhino sinusitis in adults.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis(EoE) in adults.
Locoid Dosage:
It is used in cutaneous membrane of the skin. Here mentioned Locoid Dosage for different populations of human:
Locoid Dosage for atopic dermatitis:
Topical dosage forms like creams and lotions:
- For adults and children of 3 months of age and older:
■ Apply to the affected site of skin 2 times a day.
■ For babies younger than 3 months usage and dosage should be determined by physician.
- Locoid Dosage for corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses:
Topical dosage forms like cream:
For adults:
■ Apply to the affected site of skin 2 to 3 times a day.
■ For use in children, it’s usage and dose must be determined by doctor.
- Topical dosage forms like cream and ointment:
For adults and children:
■ Apply to the affected site of skin 2 to 3 times a day.
- Locoid Dosage for seborrheic dermatitis:
Topical dosage form like solution:
For adults and children:
■ Apply to the affected site of skin 2 to 3 times a day.
Locoid Contraindications:
This medicine does not suit everyone. Do not take this drug if you are allergic to hydrocortisone. Do not use it of you are allergic or hypersensitive to Locoid cream or any ingredient which is present in Locoid.
Locoid Interactions:
Different medicines are usually used together, they can interact with each other and can lead to serious side effects. Two different drugs can be used together even if there is an interaction but in this case, your doctor may want to adjust the dose or take a different approach. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter (over-the-counter [OTC]) medications.
- Drugs that may interact with Locoid cream are:
■ Corticosteroids that are taken by mouth e.g. Prednisone
■ Drugs that lower the immune system e.g. Cyclosporine.
- Metformin also has minor interaction with Locoid.
Disease Interactions:
There are different other medical problems that may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other health problems, especially:
- Hyperglycaemia
- Glucosuria
- Diabetes
- Cushing’s Syndrome
- Intracranial hypertension
- Large sores or broken skin or any severe skin injury
Locoid cream Side Effects:
Along with its useful effects, Locoid cream side effects are also there. If you experience any of them, consult your doctor immediately:
- skin irritation
- Backache
- Burning sensation of the skin
- itching skin
- scaly rash
- trouble breathing
- unexplained weight loss
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- softening of the skin
- stomach pain
- sweating
- Skin thinning due to easy bruising
- loss of appetite
- loss of sexual desire or ability
- menstrual irregularities
- mental depression
- muscle wasting
- nausea
- redness and scaling
Locoid Precautions and Warnings:
● To avoid unwanted side effects you should regularly visit your doctor so he can tell you about the progress of disease treatment for which you are taking this medicine.
● Keep away from eyes due to the risk of glaucoma simplex and subcapsular cataract.
● Hands must be washed after applying Locoid cream unless it is not used for treating hands also.
● If the symptoms of disease do not get better after using this medicine for 2 weeks or you get any adverse effect check your doctor as soon as possible.
● Long term use of this medicine can cause risk to adrenal and pituitary gland especially in children and patients who are taking this medicine from long period of time. So tell your doctor if you experience any unusual change like Blurred Vision, fainting, Diarrhea, Dizziness, mental depression etc.
● If you cover the skin are which in under treatment or use Locoid for long period of time it can cause serious skin reactions due to immunosuppressant and anti inflammatory effects of corticosteroids. To avoid them consult your concerned doctor if you feel any worsening condition of disease.
● Patients should be instructed not to smoke or go near the naked flame because it can cause risk of severe burns.
● Avoid the use of cosmetics on that area of skin which is under treatment.
● Locoid cream should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your doctor considered it as essential for you.
Pros and Cons of Locoid:
Pros:
- It is available as low-cost generic.
- It’s some dosage forms are available as OTC(Over-The-Counter).
- If it us used for short period of time it has few side effects as compared to its long-term use.
Cons:
- Its long-term use is not effective.
- It needs to be applied many times a day on affected site of skin.
- It might limits your body to fight with other infections.
