Lotriderm Cream 0.05%/1.0%

What is Lotriderm Cream used for?

Lotriderm Cream is a dual-action prescription treatment used to manage inflamed fungal skin infections. It is commonly prescribed for conditions where the skin is not only infected by a fungus or yeast but is also significantly red, swollen, itchy, and irritated. Typical uses include treating severe athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, and certain types of infected dermatitis or eczema.
 

Lotriderm cream relieves skin problems such as itching, redness and swelling.

Lotriderm is a cream for skin inflammation with infections caused by fungi; it contains Betamethasone dipropionate, a corticoid, and clotrimazole, an antifungal. Lotriderm is indicated for the local treatment of skin inflammation with infections caused by fungi sensitive to clotrimazole: tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis, and candidiasis. Apply a bit of Lotriderm cream to the affected skin and massage gently. The treated skin should not be wet for at least half an hour to prevent the medicine from rinsing. Do not stain the product on and around the eyelids and avoid direct eye contact.

How does Lotriderm Cream work?

The cream contains two distinct active ingredients that tackle the infection and the inflammation simultaneously. Clotrimazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal that works by stopping the underlying fungus from growing and spreading. Betamethasone dipropionate is a potent topical corticosteroid that works by suppressing the body's localised immune response, which rapidly reduces blood vessel dilation, swelling, redness, and intense itching.

Ingredients in Lotriderm Cream:

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 is composed of the following active ingredients (salts)

Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.5Mg / G, Clotrimazole 10Mg/G

Can you use Lotriderm Cream for Ringworm?

Yes, Lotriderm is highly effective for treating ringworm (tinea corporis) when the rash is particularly angry, inflamed, or intensely itchy. The betamethasone component quickly soothes the fiery ring-shaped rash, while the clotrimazole clears the fungus. Once the intense inflammation subsides, your healthcare provider may recommend switching to a dedicated Ringworm treatment that contains only an antifungal ingredient to finish clearing the infection safely.

Can you use Lotriderm Cream for eczema?

Lotriderm is not a standard or daily treatment for regular eczema or dermatitis. It should only be used if your eczema has developed a secondary fungal infection. For uninfected flare-ups, standard anti-inflammatory treatments are more appropriate. You can view our range of targeted products such as Hydrocortisone 1% or visit our blog where you’ll find information on suitable daily barrier creams and mild topical steroids for Eczema.

Can Lotriderm Cream be used for thrush?

While clotrimazole is commonly used to treat thrush, Lotriderm Cream is generally not recommended for vaginal or penile thrush infections. The potent betamethasone steroid in Lotriderm can alter the delicate balance of thin tissue in the genital area and potentially worsen certain symptoms if used incorrectly. Specific thrush treatments formulated without strong steroids are much safer for these areas.

How to Use Lotriderm Cream

Apply Lotriderm cream to the affected area(s) of skin and massage in gently.

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

How long does Lotriderm Cream take to work?

Most patients begin to feel relief from itching and notice a visible reduction in redness and swelling within the first few days of starting treatment. However, even if your skin appears completely clear after a couple of days, it is vital to complete the short course prescribed by your doctor to ensure the underlying fungal spores are entirely eradicated and to prevent the infection from returning.

How long can you use Lotriderm Cream for?

Lotriderm is designed for short-term use only because it contains a potent steroid. The standard maximum duration of treatment is usually seven days, and it should rarely be used for more than two weeks. Longer-term use can lead to side effects such as skin thinning or absorption into the bloodstream. If you require a longer treatment plan for a persistent fungal issue, our Athlete’s Foot and Fungal Infection section offers milder, steroid-free options like standalone clotrimazole.

Can you use Lotriderm Cream on your face?

You should not apply Lotriderm Cream to your face unless explicitly instructed to do so by a dermatologist. The skin on the face is much thinner and more sensitive than skin on the rest of the body, making it highly susceptible to steroid-induced side effects such as thinning, permanent stretch marks, or dermatitis. Care must also be taken to keep the cream away from your eyes to avoid the risk of glaucoma or cataracts.

Can I use moisturiser with Lotriderm Cream?

You can continue to use your regular emollients or moisturisers while using Lotriderm, but you must space out the applications. Apply your moisturiser first and wait at least thirty minutes before applying Lotriderm Cream. This allows the moisturiser to absorb fully into the skin and ensures that the active medical ingredients in Lotriderm do not become diluted or spread to unaffected areas of your body.

Important:

• If you miss a dose: Use it as soon as you notice. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your dosing schedule. Do not use an extra dose to make up for a missed dose. 
• Storing Lotriderm: Store medicines at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze medicines unless required by the package insert. Keep medicines away from children and pets.

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 used for a two- to four-week course. If your symptoms have not improved in one or two weeks, you should talk to your doctor or our pharmacist here at SimplyMedsOnline.

Do not cover the area being treated with airtight dressings such as bandages or other dressings, unless the doctor advises otherwise

What are the side effects of Lotriderm Cream?

Most people tolerate the cream well when it is used correctly for a short period. The most common localised side effects include a temporary stinging or burning sensation where the cream is applied, mild skin dryness, or a slight change in skin pigmentation. Rare, long-term side effects associated with stronger topical steroids include skin thinning, stretch marks, and increased hair growth at the application site. For a full, detailed breakdown of all potential risks, please consult the Patient Information Leaflet (eMC) with your medication or product.
 

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 or our pharmacist if the side effects are severe. For more information, please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

DO NOT USE LOTRIDERM 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.

Can I use Lotriderm Cream during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Lotriderm Cream should generally be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your GP or dermatologist determines that the clinical benefit outweighs the potential risks. Potent topical steroids can be absorbed through the skin in small amounts. If a doctor does prescribe it while you are breastfeeding, ensure the cream is never applied to the breasts or chest area to prevent the infant from accidentally swallowing the medicine or coming into contact with it.

Lotriderm cream should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women without consulting a doctor first.

What should I do if my symptoms don't improve?

If your skin symptoms do not show any visible improvement after one week of continuous use, or if they actively worsen, you should stop using the cream and contact your doctor or pharmacist. A lack of response can indicate that the underlying infection is bacterial rather than fungal, or that you are experiencing a localised allergic reaction to one of the ingredients. 

For further guidelines on managing persistent fungal conditions, you may find NHS medical advice or the NICE CKS - Fungal skin infections frameworks useful. Always follow the advice your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist has given you as this will be specific to you and your skincare needs.