Locoid: How to Use It, Side Effects, and Can It Be Used on the Face? — All Your Steroid Ointment Questions Answered
Can Locoid be applied to the face? Is it safe to use daily? What's the difference with Kindavate? A doctor answers all your questions about topical steroids. We also explain the correct dosage using the FTU method, side effects, and how to discontinue use.
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June 10, 2026
Locoid: How to Use, Side Effects, Can it Be Applied to the Face? — All Your Steroid Ointment Questions Answered
All your steroid questions answered.
"I've been prescribed Locoid, but how much should I apply?" "I heard steroids are scary and addictive." "Can I apply it to my face?" "How is it different from Kindavate or Rinderon?" — This one article will answer all your questions about Locoid.
Locoid (hydrocortisone butyrate) is a medium-strength topical steroid. When used correctly, it is safe and effective, but it is also a medication that is often misunderstood. In this article, doctors at Mona Aoyama Clinic provide honest explanations based on medical evidence.
- Locoid prescriptions available nationwide via online consultation
- Consultations for eczema, dermatitis, and atopy also available online
- Same-day prescription and same-day shipping (for payments made by 4 PM)
- 1. What is Locoid? Basic Information
- 2. Steroid Ointment Strength Rankings
- 3. Correct Application: Follow FTU Guidelines for Dosage
- 4. Usage and Precautions by Body Part
- 5. Side Effects and Proper Discontinuation
- 6. Addressing the Misconception that "Steroids are Scary"
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Locoid? Basic Information
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Hydrocortisone Butyrate |
| Drug Type | Topical Steroid (Adrenocortical Hormone Ointment) |
| Strength Rank | Strong (Medium-Strong) — 3rd from the top in a 5-tier system |
| Formulation | Ointment, Cream, Lotion |
| Main Indications | Eczema, Dermatitis, Atopic Dermatitis, Contact Dermatitis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, etc. |
| Facial Use | Permissible under doctor's guidance (caution with long-term or large-quantity use) |
2. Steroid Ointment Strength Rankings
Topical steroids are ranked into 5 levels based on their strength. Locoid is in the Strong class, which is the 3rd strongest, and is relatively easy to use for facial application.
| Rank | Representative Drugs | Main Areas of Use |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest | Dermovate | Palms, soles of feet, intractable dermatitis |
| Very Strong | Antebate, Flumetasone | Trunk, limbs for moderate to severe cases |
| Strong (Medium-Strong) ← Locoid is here | Locoid, Boara, Fluocort | Face, neck, around joints. Mild to moderate cases in adults |
| Medium | Kindavate, Lidomex | Face, infants, near mucous membranes |
| Weak | Cortes, Oylax H | Infants, face, mucous membranes (mildest cases) |
Differences between Locoid and commonly compared drugs
| Drug Name | Rank | Comparison with Locoid | Guidelines for Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindavate | Medium | One rank weaker | If Locoid is too irritating, or for infants' faces |
| Rinderon-V | Strong | Approximately equivalent | Same rank. Use depends on physician's preference |
| Antebate | Very Strong | One rank stronger | Moderate to severe cases on trunk and limbs. Not for facial use |
| Dermovate | Strongest | Two ranks stronger | Intractable cases on palms and soles. Short-term use only |
3. Correct Application: Follow FTU Guidelines for Dosage
The most important aspect of applying topical steroids is the amount applied. It is crucial to adhere to the appropriate amount using the FTU (Finger Tip Unit) standard.
| What is 1 FTU? | Content |
|---|---|
| Definition of 1 FTU | The amount squeezed from the fingertip to the first joint of the index finger (approx. 0.5g) |
| Area 1 FTU can cover | Two adult palm-sized areas |
| Entire face | Approx. 1 FTU (approx. 0.5g) |
| Neck | Approx. 1 FTU |
| Entire arm (one) | Approx. 2 FTU (approx. 1g) |
| Entire leg (one) | Approx. 4 FTU (approx. 2g) |
| Trunk (front) | Approx. 7 FTU (approx. 3.5g) |
💡 Applying a generous amount does not necessarily enhance effectiveness. The basic principle is to apply a thin, even layer.
4. Usage and Precautions by Body Part
| Part | Usage Permitted | Estimated Duration of Use | Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face (cheeks, forehead, around nose) | △ Acceptable for short-term use | Within 1-2 weeks | Risk of steroid rosacea and telangiectasia with long-term continuous use |
| Around the eyes | ⚠️ Use with extreme caution | Follow doctor's instructions | Risk of glaucoma and cataracts. Avoid self-medication |
| Neck | △ Acceptable for short-term use | Within 1-2 weeks | Similar to facial use. Avoid long-term continuous use |
| Trunk/Limbs | ✅ Generally permissible for use | 2-4 weeks | Low risk of side effects with standard use |
| Palms/Soles of feet | ✅ Permissible for use | 2-4 weeks | Thicker stratum corneum results in lower absorption rate |
| Genital/Groin area | ⚠️ Use with extreme caution | Short-term, follow doctor's instructions | Skin is thin and absorption rate is very high |
5. Side Effects and Proper Discontinuation
| Side Effect | Conditions for Occurrence | Frequency | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin atrophy (thinning skin) | Long-term continuous use on the same area | May occur with long-term use | Use for appropriate duration and frequency. Gradually reduce dosage after symptom improvement |
| Telangiectasia (spider veins) | Long-term use, especially on the face | May occur with long-term use | Avoid long-term facial use |
| Steroid rosacea/Perioral dermatitis | Long-term continuous facial use | Rare | Limit facial use to short periods |
| Worsening of infection | Use on an infected area | Rare | Consult a doctor before use if infection is suspected |
Proper Discontinuation — It's important not to stop abruptly
- Reduce frequency of use once symptoms subsideGradually decrease from daily to 3-4 times a week, then 1-2 times a week.
- Continue using moisturizer alongsideAs steroid use is reduced, moisturizers help supplement the skin barrier.
- Restart early if symptoms recurUsing a small amount early on when symptoms reappear can lead to a lower total amount of steroid used than letting the condition worsen before applying a large amount.
- Consult your doctor about reducing or stopping the medicationThere are limits to self-directed discontinuation.
6. Addressing the Misconception that "Steroids are Scary"
| Common Concerns | Facts |
|---|---|
| "Steroids are addictive." | Physical dependence is almost non-existent with topical applications. Recurrence after discontinuation is the original condition returning, not "addiction." |
| "Skin will thin and never recover." | Mild skin atrophy often improves upon discontinuation. Severe atrophy after long-term, large-quantity use may take time to recover. |
| "Never apply to the face." | Short-term appropriate use is permissible under a doctor's guidance. Long-term continuous use (over 2 weeks) should be avoided. |
| "Affects internal organs." | Systemic absorption from topical applications is minimal. There is almost no impact on internal organs with typical topical use. |
✅ Often, the risk of prolonged inflammation leading to skin damage due to fear of steroid side effects is higher. It is important to use the appropriate strength for your symptoms for the correct duration.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the body part. Continuous use on the face for two weeks requires caution, but for the trunk and limbs, it's often not an issue. If symptoms persist, do not stop abruptly; consult your doctor to gradually reduce the dosage.
In most cases, this is the original condition returning, not "rebound (dependence)." Using an appropriate amount early when symptoms recur can reduce the total amount of medication used compared to letting the condition worsen. However, if symptoms recur frequently, your treatment plan may need to be reevaluated, so please consult your doctor.
Systemic absorption of topical steroids is minimal, so appropriate use is generally considered safe. Always inform your prescribing doctor about your pregnancy before use.
Please avoid self-medicating by increasing the strength. If the effect is insufficient, it may be necessary to review not only the strength of the medication but also the application method, dosage, or even the diagnosis itself. Please consult your doctor.
Clinic Hours and Access
| Clinic Name | Mona Aoyama Clinic |
| Consultation Format | Online Consultation (Nationwide) / In-person Consultation (Aoyama, Tokyo) |
| Location | D Building 3F, 1-10-3 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062 |
| Nearest Station | 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro "Aoyama-itchome Station" |
| Online Consultation | 24-hour reception, same-day shipping available (for payments made by 4 PM) |
For Locoid Prescriptions and Dermatitis Consultations, Contact Mona Aoyama Clinic
Nationwide online consultations. Same-day prescription and same-day shipping (for payments made by 4 PM).