Lotriderm

Lotriderm is an anti-inflammatory cream with antifungal components. It contains two active ingredients:betamethasone, a powerful topical corticosteroid, andclotrimazole, an antifungal medicine.Lotriderm cream relieves skin problems such as itching, redness and swelling. Lotriderm is a prescription-only medicine.

Lotriderm is an anti-inflammatory cream with antifungal components. It contains two active ingredients:

• betamethasone, a powerful topical corticosteroid, and
• clotrimazole, an antifungal medicine.

Lotriderm cream relieves skin problems such as itching, redness and swelling. Lotriderm is a prescription-only medicine.

Lotriderm cream is used to treat fungal skin infections such as:

• Athlete's foot (fungal infection of the feet);
• Ringworm (ring-shaped or oval patches);
• Tinea cruris (fungal infection of the groin);
• Candida infections (itchy rash, usually found in skin folds, in the groin, on the genitals and in the area around the anal orifice).

Betamethasone reduces swelling, redness and itching rapidly. Clotrimazole kills the fungi and yeasts and treats the infection.

Apply Lotriderm cream to the affected area(s) of skin and massage in gently. Do not get the treated areas wet within half an hour of application because the medicine will rinse off. Do not apply the cream to the eyelids or the skin around the eyes. Wash your hands immediately after applying the cream. Continuous, long-term use of topical steroid medication should be avoided. For this reason, Lotriderm cream is usually prescribed as a two to four-week course. If your symptoms have not improved in one or two weeks, you should talk to your doctor.

Unless otherwise advised by a doctor, the usual dose in adults and children is:

• a thin layer applied to the affected area(s) of skin twice a day.

Do not cover the area being treated with airtight dressings such as bandages or other dressings, unless the doctor advises otherwise. This medicine should only be used on advice of a doctor in young children. The duration of treatment should be determined by a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.

Lotriderm may cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine include:

• Skin irritation due to hypersensitivity;
• Thinning of the treated skin;
• Red patches and scaling around the mouth;
• Striae (stripe-like skin marks);
• A decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands (only if used long term).

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. For more information, see the package leaflet.

Lotriderm cream is not suitable for everyone and should not be used if:

• You are allergic to betamethasone, clotrimazole or any other ingredient in this medicine;
• Your skin problem is caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites;
• Your baby has a nappy rash, your skin is broken or ulcerated, or you have acne or rosacea;
• You have a skin disorder called ichthyosis vulgaris or the blood vessels in your skin are fragile.

It is important to tell your doctor what topical skin medications you are already using before you start treatment with Lotriderm cream to make sure the combination is safe.

Lotriderm cream should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women without consulting a doctor first. Lotriderm cream does not interact with alcohol or affect your ability to drive safely.