Is it safe to apply Locoid to the face? A usage guide for different body parts
目次
June 21, 2026
Is it OK to apply Locoid to your face? A guide to usage by body part
Correct usage and precautions for the face, around the eyes, neck, and body
"I was told to apply Locoid to my face, but is it really okay?" "Can I apply it near my eyes?" "Can I use it on my neck and body in the same way as my face?" Many people are unsure because the correct usage differs depending on the area of application.
Locoid is a medium-class topical steroid, and the thickness of the skin, absorption rate, and risk of side effects vary depending on the area. For the same medication, "daily for two weeks on the face" and "daily for two weeks on the arm" have completely different meanings.
In this article, a doctor from Mona Aoyama Clinic explains how to use Locoid by body part, precautions, and areas that require particular care.
- Locoid is available nationwide via online consultation.
- Usage instructions tailored to your body part and symptoms will be provided at the time of prescription.
- Same-day prescription and same-day shipping (for payments made by 4 PM).
Locoid Usage and Precautions by Body Part
| Area | Skin Characteristics | Usage Allowed | Approximate Usage Period | Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Face (cheeks, forehead, around the nose) | Thin, high absorption rate | △ Acceptable for short-term use | Within 1-2 weeks | Risk of steroid rosacea and telangiectasia with prolonged continuous use |
| Around the eyes (eyelids) | Very thin and sensitive | ⚠️ Caution required | Follow doctor's instructions | Risk of glaucoma and cataracts. Avoid self-medication around the eyes |
| Neck | Thin and often moving | △ Acceptable for short-term use | Within 1-2 weeks | Similar to face. Avoid prolonged continuous use |
| Trunk and limbs (arms, legs, torso) | Relatively thick | ✅ Generally acceptable for use | 2-4 weeks | Low risk of side effects with standard use |
| Palms of hands, soles of feet | Thick stratum corneum, low absorption rate | ✅ Acceptable for use | 2-4 weeks | Due to low absorption, a stronger class may be needed if ineffective |
| Joint areas (inner elbows, inner knees) | Thin and subject to friction | ✅ Acceptable for use | Approximately 2 weeks | Absorption tends to increase due to friction in these areas |
| Genitals, groin area | Very thin, high absorption rate | ⚠️ Caution required | Short-term, follow doctor's instructions | Very high absorption rate. Avoid prolonged use |
How to use on the face - 3 important things to note
① Limit continuous use to within 2 weeks
The skin on the face is thin and has an absorption rate of steroids that is approximately 6 to 10 times higher than that of the body. Prolonged continuous use can lead to side effects such as thinning skin (skin atrophy), visible capillaries (telangiectasia), and steroid rosacea. Once symptoms subside, reduce the frequency of use or consult a doctor to switch to a moisturizer.
② Do not apply around the eyes without consulting a doctor.
The use of topical steroids around the eyes (eyelids) is associated with a risk of glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure) and cataracts. If you have eye symptoms (e.g., eyelid dermatitis, eczema around the eyes due to atopy), always consult a doctor and follow their instructions.
③ Be especially careful around the mouth.
Prolonged use of Locoid around the mouth can cause perioral dermatitis (a condition where small red rashes spread around the mouth). Limit use around the mouth to a short period, and if the condition does not improve, consult a doctor.
How to use for children and infants
Locoid is prescribed for infants and young children, but children have thinner skin and a larger body surface area relative to their weight than adults, so the absorption rate and risk of side effects are relatively higher.
- Manage the amount used with FTU, aiming for less than what is used for adults.
- Absorption tends to be higher in the diaper area (genitals/buttocks) due to the sealed environment. Use for short periods.
- Be especially careful with continuous use on the face - aim for about one week for infants' faces.
- Avoid long-term self-medication and have a doctor check regularly.
⚠️ For infants, topical steroids are not "better not to use" but "important to use correctly." Some research suggests that neglecting eczema and atopy can damage the skin barrier and increase the risk of food allergies. Appropriate use protects children's skin.
FTU (correct amount) - Approximate amounts per body part
| Area | Required FTU (adult) | Grams converted |
|---|---|---|
| Entire face | Approx. 1 FTU | Approx. 0.5g |
| Neck | Approx. 1 FTU | Approx. 0.5g |
| Entire arm (one side) | Approx. 2 FTU | Approx. 1g |
| Entire leg (one side) | Approx. 4 FTU | Approx. 2g |
| Trunk (front) | Approx. 7 FTU | Approx. 3.5g |
| Trunk (back) | Approx. 7 FTU | Approx. 3.5g |
1 FTU = the amount squeezed from the tip of the index finger to the first joint (approx. 0.5g). This can cover an area the size of two palms.
Frequently Asked Questions
One month of continuous use on the face is a relatively long period. We recommend checking for thinning skin, redness, or visible capillaries, and if possible, seeing a doctor. If symptoms have subsided, gradually reduce the frequency of use.
If a doctor prescribed it, they have determined that its use is necessary. It is considered safe if used according to the prescribed amount and duration. However, be careful not to get it in your eyes, and if you experience blurred vision or difficulty seeing while using it, consult a doctor immediately.
It should be fine for 1-2 applications. However, in the future, please consult a doctor for facial use and follow the prescription instructions.
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What is Locoid? A Doctor Explains How to Use Steroid Ointment, Its Strength, and What Not to Do Locoid Side Effects and Correct Usage | Is "Continuous Use is Dangerous" True? List of Topical Steroid Strengths – How Do Locoid, Kindavate, and Rinderon Differ?Consultation Hours and Access (Online Consultation)
| Clinic Name | Mona Aoyama Clinic |
| Consultation Format | Online Consultation (Nationwide) / In-person Consultation (Tokyo, Aoyama) |
| 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 consultations, contact Mona Aoyama Clinic.
Online consultations available nationwide. Same-day prescriptions and same-day shipping (for payments made by 4 PM).