Topical corticosteroid that calms inflamed skin.
Hydrocortisone is a topical corticosteroid treatment for dermatitis, and can ease symptoms such as dryness, itching and irritation. It’s available as both a cream and an ointment, and is applied directly to your skin.
Talk to us about your health and we’ll help you find a medication that suits you. Order Hydrocortisone today, on subscription.
Hydrocortisone belongs to a class of medications known as corticosteroids. Unlike anabolic steroids that mirror the effects of testosterone, corticosteroids reduce inflammation. They are used regularly to manage a range of different skin conditions, and can treat dermatitis by calming symptoms of dryness, soreness and irritation. Hydrocortisone can be used to treat multiple dermatological conditions including photodermatitis, atopic eczema, discoid eczema and dyshidrotic eczema.
Corticosteroids (often just called steroids) can also reduce redness and swelling, which can improve the appearance of any affected areas of skin.
Available as both a topical cream and an ointment, Hydrocortisone can be applied directly to your skin. It has a calming effect on your body’s inflammatory response and can reduce the urges to scratch your skin, which gives it a better chance of healing. As well as the different forms the medication comes in, it can be prescribed in different strengths to suit your needs.
Hydrocortisone activates substances in the skin to reduce your symptoms. It’s part of a class of corticosteroids known as glucocorticoids. These are man-made versions of steroids that the body produces, which are present in nearly all of the body’s tissue and involved in numerous processes, particularly stress and inflammatory responses.
One of the main glucocorticoids produced by the body is cortisol, a stress hormone. Glucocorticoids are often prescribed to people who need more cortisol to improve their response to stress.
Along with skin conditions like dermatitis, hydrocortisone is widely used to treat other conditions such as arthritis, asthma and haemorrhoids.
Hydrocortisone cream comes in two different strengths: 0.5% and 1%. The ointment is available as 1% only.
Whether you’re recommended the ointment or the cream will depend largely on the condition you’re treating. The same can be said about the strength of Hydrocortisone you’ll need. A clinician will prescribe medication based on your symptoms, and which treatment they think will best manage your symptoms.
Both the cream and the ointment are usually applied up to three times a day, but the doses might vary depending on how your skin condition is impacting you.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
To apply the cream:
Hydrocortisone cream is usually used for a maximum of 7 days. A clinician will instruct you if they think you need to use it for longer than this.
Hydrocortisone ointment can usually be applied 2-3 times a day until you start to see improvements.
To apply the ointment:
The amount of ointment you need to use can be found on the patient information leaflet provided with your medication. If you’re still not sure, you can ask us and one of our clinical team will get back to you.
You might start to see improvements after only a few days of using Hydrocortisone. However, there’s no guarantee how long it will take to ease your symptoms or significantly change the appearance of your skin. Hydrocortisone is only intended to be used for a short period, but you might need to use it for longer if you’ve got a dermatological condition like eczema that requires more long-term management.
If you forget to take your usual dose of Hydrocortisone, you can apply your cream or ointment as soon as you remember. You should always use the medication at evenly spaced intervals, and there is no need to use twice the amount you normally would if you ever miss a dose.
If you accidentally swallow any of the cream or ointment, or if a child in your care does, go to your nearest hospital’s A & E (accident and emergency) department immediately. Bring the medication with you to help staff identify the problem faster.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
“Topical Corticosteroids.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing.
“Hydrocortisone for Skin: A Steroid Medicine for Treating Eczema, Psoriasis and Insect Bites.”
“Hydrocortisone Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information.”
“Physiology, Cortisol.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing.
“Systemic Side-Effects of Topical Corticosteroids.” Indian Journal of Dermatology, vol. 59, no. 5, 2014, p. 460.
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