Hydrocortisone

What is Hydrocortisone?

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.^[1]

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.

How does Hydrocortisone work?

Hydrocortisone activates substances in the skin to reduce your symptoms.^[2] 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.^[3]

Along with skin conditions like dermatitis, hydrocortisone is widely used to treat other conditions such as arthritis, asthma and haemorrhoids.

What doses of Hydrocortisone are there?

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 to use Hydrocortisone

To apply the cream:

1. Wash your hands before you use Hydrocortisone cream.
2. Dispense some cream from the tube (enough to thinly cover the affected area).
3. Gently massage the cream into any affected areas of skin.

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:

1. Wash your hands before applying.
2. Gently rub some ointment into your skin until it disappears, using your fingertip.
3. Wash your hands again after you’ve finished applying.

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.

Does Hydrocortisone work right away?

You might start to see improvements after only a few days of using Hydrocortisone.^[1] 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.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Hydrocortisone?

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.