Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone topical treatments belong to a class of medications called corticosteroids, which are a well trusted treatment in dermatology to manage inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema. When applied topically, it acts directly within the skin to suppress the inflammatory response that causes eczema symptoms.

Working to:

• Reduce inflammation from occurring
• Calm swelling, itching, and discomfort
• Ease redness and irritation associated with flare-ups

By controlling inflammation at the source, hydrocortisone helps skin settle and heal more effectively.

Before applying hydrocortisone, wash your hands and gently clean the affected area(s). Make sure the skin is thoroughly dried before application.

Apply a thin later of hydrocortisone to the affected area(s) once or twice daily. Or as directed by a healthcare provider. Use the smallest amount needed. The cream and ointment spread easily, and applying more than required is unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Gently massage the treatment into the skin until absorbed.

After application, wash your hands again unless the hands themselves are being treated.

Hydrocortisone is a prescription only medication that can be used by adults who are suffering from the inflammatory skin condition eczema.

However, hydrocortisone is not suitable for:

• Sensitive areas: Do not apply hydrocortisone to the face, anus, or genitals.

• Those with an allergy to hydrocortisone or any of its ingredients.

• Skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, or skin infections. These require a different treatment and use of hydrocortisone may make these conditions worse.

• Broken, infected skin. Do not apply to broken, infected, or severely irritated skin.

• A prolonged period of time. Hydrocortisone should be used exactly as advised by a clinician and for up to four weeks only. This is because steroid applications can thin the skin, or because prolonged treatment can cause a withdrawal reaction.

An emollient moisturiser should be used regularly alongside steroid treatment to help maintain the skin barrier, reduce dryness, and improve effectiveness of treatment eczema and eczema maintenance. Apply emollients liberally and frequently, including when the skin appears clear. When using both treatments, allow a gap of around 20–30 minutes between steroid and emollient application to ensure proper absorption.

Steroid application may cause mild irritation. This includes redness, burning or stinging, itching, dryness, and skin thinning. For this reason steroid creams, gels and ointments should only be used for up to four weeks.

Less commonly, steroid treatments may cause acne, rosacea, increased hair growth, or a rash to occur.

If irritation becomes severe, or does not improve, stop using treatment and speak with a healthcare professional.