Terra-Cortril

Terra-Cortril is a topical ointment that contains two active ingredients: an antibiotic, which fights off infections, and a corticosteroid which works to reduce inflammation. You’ll usually apply it to affected areas of your skin two to four times a day to help with your symptoms.

Eczema and psoriasis are common skin conditions that develop when your body doesn’t make enough natural oils and fats to keep your skin moisturised. When this happens, dry patches appear on your skin, usually in specific areas like your elbows, knees, scalp and neck. These areas are often itchy, and when you scratch them they can become redder, more inflamed, and sometimes infected.

There are various types of eczema, such as contact and atopic dermatitis, which can look different and be triggered by a number of things. Psoriasis differs from eczema in its appearance and symptoms, but both conditions are often treated in a similar way. Usually creams or ointments are used to reduce inflammation. Trying to avoid or limit your exposure to your triggers can also help.

The combination of antibiotic (oxytetracycline) and corticosteroid (hydrocortisone) works to help prevent your affected skin from worsening, and provides relief from agitation and inflammation. The antibiotic stops the bacteria on your skin from reproducing and infecting your skin, whilst the anti-inflammatory hydrocortisone stops certain chemicals in your skin from widening your blood vessels. It’s this widening of the blood vessels that causes the inflammation.

There is only one dose of Terra-Cortril, which contains 30mg of oxytetracycline and 10mg of hydrocortisone per gram of the ointment, which is available in either a 15g or 30g tube.

You should always use Terra-Cortril exactly as you’ve been instructed by our clinician. Typically, though, you’ll use it as follows:

• break the seal of your tube using the top of the cap
• clean the affected area of skin as much as possible
• gently apply a small amount of the ointment to the affected areas of your skin
• use it around two to four times a day
• continue to use the ointment for a while even after you’ve seen an improvement
• make sure that you wash your hands and replace the cap after you’ve used it

You should start to see improvements in your condition within a week of using Terra-Cortril. If you don’t notice any improvements in your condition after a week, talk to our clinician. You might need to try a different treatment.^[1]

You should only use Terra-Cortril on your skin. If you accidentally swallow it, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Don’t worry if you forget to use it, just use it in the normal way when you remember.