Need a doctor who prescribes Locoid? Learn which specialists prescribe Hydrocortisone Butyrate, how to find providers near you, and what to expect at your appointment.
If you're dealing with eczema, atopic dermatitis, or another stubborn skin condition, you may have heard about Locoid (Hydrocortisone Butyrate) — a mid-potency topical corticosteroid that works well for inflammation that over-the-counter creams can't handle. But before you can try it, you need a prescription. This guide walks you through exactly how to find the right doctor and get started.
Locoid is prescribed by several types of healthcare providers. Understanding which one is right for you can save time and money.
Dermatologists are skin specialists and the most common prescribers of Locoid. If you have a chronic skin condition like atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or seborrheic dermatitis, a dermatologist is often your best bet. They can also evaluate whether Locoid is the right potency for your specific situation or whether you need something stronger or milder.
Your regular doctor can absolutely prescribe Locoid. For straightforward cases of eczema or dermatitis, a primary care physician is often the fastest route to getting a prescription — especially since dermatologist wait times can stretch weeks or months in some areas.
For children with eczema or dermatitis, pediatricians commonly prescribe Locoid. However, it's worth noting that Locoid should be used with extra caution in children because their higher body-surface-area-to-weight ratio makes them more susceptible to systemic absorption.
If your skin condition is linked to allergies, an allergist may also prescribe Locoid as part of a broader treatment plan.
Here are the most effective ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Locoid in your area.
Start with your insurance company's online provider directory. Search for dermatologists or family medicine doctors in your network. This ensures your visit will be covered at the lowest out-of-pocket cost. Most insurance websites let you filter by specialty, distance, and whether the provider is accepting new patients.
Platforms like Zocdoc and Healthgrades let you search for doctors by specialty and location, read patient reviews, and book appointments online — sometimes for the same day or next day. Filter for dermatologists and check availability.
If you already see a primary care physician, ask for a referral to a dermatologist. Some insurance plans (especially HMOs) require a referral before you can see a specialist. Your doctor may even be willing to prescribe Locoid directly if your condition is straightforward.
Telehealth is a great option for skin conditions. Many dermatology-focused telehealth platforms let you upload photos of your skin, describe your symptoms, and receive a prescription — often within 24-48 hours. Locoid is available via telehealth since it's not a controlled substance. Popular telehealth dermatology services include DermatologistOnCall, Apostrophe, and Curology (for certain conditions).
If you're uninsured or underinsured, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer medical care on a sliding-fee scale. Find one near you at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Knowing what to expect can help you make the most of your visit.
Your doctor will examine the affected skin and ask about your history. If they determine that a mid-potency topical corticosteroid is appropriate, they may prescribe Locoid or its generic equivalent, Hydrocortisone Butyrate 0.1%. Be sure to ask:
Brand-name Locoid can cost $150 to $400 depending on the formulation and quantity. The generic version (Hydrocortisone Butyrate) typically runs $30 to $80 for a 15-45g tube. Ask your doctor if the generic is appropriate for your situation — it usually is, and it can save you hundreds of dollars. For more savings tips, check out our guide on how to save money on Locoid.
Once you have your prescription in hand, here are a few next steps.
While Locoid is not currently on the FDA drug shortage list, the brand-name Locoid Lipocream formulation has experienced periodic supply disruptions in recent years. If your pharmacy doesn't have it in stock, check out our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Locoid in stock, or use Medfinder to search real-time pharmacy availability.
If cost or availability is an issue, generic Hydrocortisone Butyrate is more widely available and significantly cheaper. Ask your pharmacist if they can substitute the generic unless your prescription says "dispense as written."
Locoid is typically used for 2 to 4 weeks at a time. Your doctor may want a follow-up visit to check your progress, especially if you're using it on a large area or for a prolonged period. Prolonged use can lead to skin thinning, so don't use it longer than directed.
Finding a doctor who can prescribe Locoid doesn't have to be complicated. Start with your primary care doctor or use telehealth for a quick consultation. If you need a specialist, dermatologists are the go-to experts for conditions that Locoid treats. And once you have your prescription, tools like Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy that has it in stock — fast.
For more information about this medication, read our complete guide: What Is Locoid? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.
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